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Viewing Areas Good places to view red kites on 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.
Good kite viewing areas are located at: - Parton Heritage Trail
- Bennan Viewpoint
- Mossdale Walk
- Bellymack Hill Farm kite feeding station, Laurieston
- RSPB Ken-Dee Marshes Reserve
- Neilson’s Monument, Barstobrick
The story on how the kites were first released in Galloway can be learned at: Additionally, you can see kites come in to roost together, during winter (November to February) at various woods around the trail. More information can be found at: - Glenlaggan roost site (accross Loch Ken at the Glenlaggan Information Shelter, 1km north of Parton on the A713 road). Please note that there is never any guarantee of kites roosting in particular woods, as they may move around.
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.
Kite viewing tips
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!
 | Walk to Neilson’s Monument This 1.1km walk starts from the car park at Barstobrick Visitor Centre, where there is an interpretative board and Stickety Lickety Teahouse for refreshments... |  | The Feeding StationKites are fed daily at 2pm. Station is open from 1pm to 4pm (3pm in winter). The feeding station is only 20 minutes drive from RSPB Scotland’s Ken-Dee Marshes Reserve... |  | Bennan Walk and ViewpointThe viewpoint, which has interpretative boards and a 'summer seat', overlooks Loch Ken and the surrounding mosaic of pasture and woodlands, providing a true birds-eye view of... |  | Mossdale Walk Mossdale Walk and Kite Sculpture This 2.5km circular walk starts from the trail car park (download leaflet & map here), opposite the village shop, where there is an... |  | Parton Heritage TrailThis 1km walk follows a footpath along the edge of pasture and woodland to reach an elevated 'Red Kite Viewpoint' overlooking Loch Ken and the surrounding area. There is an... |  | Ken-Dee Marshes ReserveWith 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 to a... |  | The Secret Cages These formerly made the largest single site of release cages used for the red kite reintroduction project in Galloway but now feature as a piece... | | |
