Wood of Cree Woodland and Scrubland Trails
Dumfries and Galloway
The Wood of Cree is an RSPB Scotland reserve in the Cree valley north of Newton Stewart, and the largest remaining ancient woodland in southern Scotland, with oak and birch on a site thought to have been wooded for thousands of years. Dogs need a short lead here from 1 April to 15 August, when ground-nesting birds are about, and near livestock. In spring the ground is thick with bluebells, and pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers arrive to breed; in summer Scotch argus butterflies fly in the open glades. This 3.5km circuit, described by Scotland Starts Here, crosses the road from the car park and climbs beside the Cordorcan Burn past a series of small waterfalls, then follows the Woodland Trail and the Scrubland Trail through more varied woodland with open scrub and stands of mature trees. There is about 110 metres of climbing on earth and hard-surfaced paths, tracks and steps.
This is a dog friendly reserve, but it is a bird reserve first. RSPB Scotland asks for dogs to be on a short lead during the ground-nesting bird breeding season, 1 April to 15 August, and wherever there is livestock. Outside those months a dog under close control can enjoy the woodland paths, and the Cordorcan Burn gives water and cool spots on warm days. The tree cover gives good shade. There are car parks at Barclye Wood and at the Wood of Cree itself, but no toilets.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Waterfall
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- None on site; nearest public toilets at Riverside car park, Newton Stewart.
- Parking
- RSPB car parks at Wood of Cree and at Barclye Wood, on the minor road north from Minnigaff.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Wood of Cree Woodland and Scrubland Trails, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Bartaggart Farmhouse
Sleeps 8 · 3 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £546 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in Dumfries and GallowayFrequently Asked Questions
Is Wood of Cree Woodland and Scrubland Trails dog friendly?
Wood of Cree is a dog-friendly reserve, though it's worth knowing it's an RSPB Scotland bird reserve first and foremost. Dogs are welcome on the woodland and scrubland trails, and the Cordorcan Burn offers some lovely spots for a drink and a cool-down on warmer days. We've given it a dog-friendly rating of 7/10.
Can dogs be off lead at Wood of Cree Woodland and Scrubland Trails?
From 1 April to 15 August, dogs must be kept on a short lead throughout the reserve to protect ground-nesting birds such as pied flycatchers and wood warblers. Dogs must also be on a lead near livestock at any time of year. Outside the breeding season, a dog under close control can roam the woodland paths more freely.
What should I know before visiting Wood of Cree Woodland and Scrubland Trails with my dog?
The circular trail is 3.5km with around 110 metres of climbing on a mix of earth paths, hard-surfaced tracks and steps, so it's a fairly manageable outing for most dogs. There are no toilets on site — the nearest public facilities are at Riverside car park in Newton Stewart — so it's worth planning ahead. You can park at either the Wood of Cree car park or the Barclye Wood car park, both on the minor road north from Minnigaff.
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