Viewing Areas

Hints on viewing Red Kites and completing the Galloway Kite Trail:

Along the trail, there are six viewing areas with good chances of seeing red kites, as shown on the map. Additionally, there is a seventh location where visitors can experience the site where kites were first released back into Galloway. These are marked by a kite trail post on the side of the road, where you will find a car park.

These viewing areas are at:

• Bellymack Hill Farm kite feeding station, Laurieston
• Mossdale Walk

• Nielson’s Monument, Barstobrick
• Bennan Viewpoint
• Parton Walk
• RSPB Ken Dee Marshes Reserve

Food and accommodation providers are identified around the map and have a Galloway Kite Trail logo prominently displayed. Each offers information on Red Kites. Check with them for the latest news on the kites.

You can see Red Kites any where along the trail, so always keep a look out for them.

Although kites are resident in the area throughout the year, they can be more difficult to see during the breeding season (April - July).

Watch out for kites following farming operations such as silage and hay cutting; they are picking out voles and other small mammals.

Please remember to wear stout footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing. Always respect the countryside, follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and park in designated car parks. Enjoy the Galloway Kite Trail!

Barstobrick Visitors Centre & Neilson’s Monument

Neilson’s Monument Nielson’s Monument and Barstobrick Visitor Centre This 1.1km walk starts from the car park at Barstobrick Visitor Centre, where there is an...

Bellymack Hill Farm - Kite Feeding Station

The Feeding Staion The feeding station is only 20 minutes drive from the RSPB Scotland’s Ken-Dee Marshes Reserve, 30 minutes from Castle Douglas and around 50 minutes drive from...

Bennan Viewpoint

Bennan Walk and Viewpoint The viewpoint, which has interpretative boards and a 'summer seat', overlooks Loch Ken and the surrounding mosaic of pasture and woodlands, providing a true...

Mossdale Walk

Mossdale Walk Mossdale Walk and Kite Sculpture This 2.5km circular walk starts from the trail car park, opposite the village shop, where there is an interpretative board and an...

Parton Walk & View Point

Parton Walk and Viewpoint This 1km walk follows a footpath along the edge of pasture and woodland to reach an elevated viewpoint overlooking Loch Ken and the surrounding area. There...

RSPB Ken-Dee Marshes Reserve

Ken-Dee Marshes Reserve With stunning views across the River Dee and Loch Ken, this reserve has both wetland and woodland, with part designated as a Special Protection Area. There is a trail...

Secret Cages

Secret Cages These are the secret cages used for the red kite reintroduction project. It was of utmost importance to ensure that the location of these cages was kept secret, to minimise...

Red Kite News
New web site Wed 11/02/2009 We are delighted to announce the launch of our new look website for the Galloway Kite Trail. The new site will allow us to interact more with local...

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