Mabie Forest: Dalshinnie Glen Trail
Dumfries and Galloway
Mabie Forest lies beside the A710 between Dumfries and New Abbey, a Forestry and Land Scotland forest of Douglas fir, larch, beech and redwoods on the slopes above the Nith Estuary. With no farm livestock in the forest, dogs get plenty of off-lead freedom, though the loch margins are a protected nature reserve best kept clear. It has five waymarked walks from the main car park. The Dalshinnie Glen trail is the middle option: a 4km circuit through stands of tall Douglas firs to Dalshinnie Loch, a small, sheltered loch within a nature reserve where dragonflies hunt over the water in summer. FLS describes a wide, firm gravel path with some uneven, loose sections and exposed tree roots, moderate slopes with a few steeper pitches, and suggests allowing an hour and a quarter. It links easily with the shorter Orchard Trail, which passes giant sequoias, a sensory garden and wildlife sculptures near the car park.
This is a dog friendly forest walk with no livestock, so a dog with good recall can have plenty of freedom on the wide gravel paths. Dalshinnie Loch gives water at the halfway point, though it is part of a nature reserve, so keep your dog out of the margins where wildlife breeds. The trees give shade all the way round. Mountain bike trails run through the forest, so call your dog in when riders appear, and FLS flags ticks as an active notice. The main car park has toilets, a play area and picnic spots, and the Mabie House Hotel serves refreshments nearby.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- Forest, Lake, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Toilets, play area, picnic and barbecue area at the main car park; refreshments at Mabie House Hotel.
- Parking
- Mabie Forest main car park, Forestry and Land Scotland, off the A710 south of Dumfries; FLS charges at some sites.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Mabie Forest: Dalshinnie Glen Trail, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Loch Cottage - Colvend
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £750 / 7 nights
Loch Carlingwark Lodge 2
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £801 / 7 nights
Keepers Cottage - Hoddom
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £543 / 7 nights
Bartaggart Farmhouse
Sleeps 8 · 3 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £546 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in Dumfries and GallowayFrequently Asked Questions
Is Mabie Forest: Dalshinnie Glen Trail dog friendly?
Mabie Forest scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the better options in Dumfries and Galloway. There's no farm livestock in the forest, the paths are wide and well-maintained, and the trail leads to a sheltered loch at the halfway point where dogs can drink.
Can dogs be off lead at Mabie Forest: Dalshinnie Glen Trail?
Yes — the absence of livestock means dogs with good recall can enjoy plenty of off-lead freedom along the wide gravel paths. The one area to keep in mind is Dalshinnie Loch itself, which sits within a nature reserve, so keep your dog out of the loch margins where wildlife breeds. You'll also want to call your dog in when mountain bikers pass through, as the forest has active bike trails.
What should I know before visiting Mabie Forest: Dalshinnie Glen Trail with my dog?
The 4km circuit has moderate slopes with some steeper pitches, uneven sections and exposed tree roots, so it's worth wearing sturdy footwear and keeping an eye on less sure-footed dogs. Forestry and Land Scotland has flagged ticks as an active notice, so check your dog thoroughly after the walk. Parking is at the main Forestry and Land Scotland car park off the A710, where FLS charges apply at some sites, and there are toilets, picnic spots and a play area; refreshments are available at the nearby Mabie House Hotel.
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