Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere in the south west of Scotland is a place where both nature and people thrive. Stone Age communities. Roman soldiers, Viking settlers, and the earliest Christians in Scotland have all called this area home. Today, the biosphere offers outdoor adventures, geological wonders and fascinating history.

Walk along rivers flowing out of the Galloway Hills and listen to the waves lapping the shore on one of the sandy Ayrshire beaches. See Bronze Age burial sites or try local produce during your visit to one of the welcoming Biosphere Communities and wrap up warm at night to enjoy the spectacular dark skies this region is famous for.

Feel the world around you on a guided nature walk, meet the inhabitants of this unique area on a traditional farm, have a real outdoor adventure on the water or see the sky come to life after dark.

Guided walks

Join a passionate local Biosphere Guide to discover a unique perspective on the culture and nature of their home and connect more deeply with the landscape around you.

Find your Biosphere Guide

Farm experiences

Take the whole family on a farm adventure. Meet fluffy Highland cows and get a glimpse of traditional farming life within the biosphere to see first-hand how people and nature flourish together.

Visit Kitchen Coos & Ewes

Outdoor adventures

Dive into the refreshing water of Loch Ken in the wobbly waterpark or feel the adrenaline on a mountain bike trip through the forest. For a quieter adventure, look out for local wildlife on a wilderness kayak trip.

Plan a fun day out at Galloway Activity Centre

Dark sky wonders

The biosphere offers even more breathtaking sights at night. On a clear evening, visit Kirroughtree, Clatteringshaws or Glentrool and observe the eternal dance of planets, stars and constellations overhead.

Spend a night at Galloway International Dark Sky Park 

Here are some welcoming places you can choose as your base to explore everything the biosphere has to offer.

Ballantrae – A small coastal village on the Ayrshire Coastal Path and a prime spot for unforgettable sunsets that colour the sea in vibrant shades of orange and pink.

Maybole – Maybole is ideally located for trips along the beautiful South Ayrshire coast with its towering cliffs, sandy beaches and world-class golf course.

Newton Stewart – The “gateway to the Galloway Hills” is a fantastic base for mountain bikers and walkers looking to make the most of the wild surrounding landscape.

Sanquhar – This small market town sits in an idyllic river valley between two ranges of hills, making it the perfect base for walks, fishing and other outdoor pursuits.

St John’s Town of Dalry – This wee village lies on the Southern Upland Way and is not far from Clatteringshaws Loch, one of the best stargazing locations in the Galloway International Dark Sky Park.

Whithorn – Attracting pilgrims following the Whithorn Way, the town offers easy access to coastal walks with an abundance of wildlife to be spotted in the air, on land and in the water.

Find out more about the Biosphere Communities you can visit during your trip