10 Cool Things to Do in the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

It’s no secret that getting outside, embracing nature and soaking up some sunshine can work wonders for our physical and mental wellbeing. The biosphere’s wild landscapes and countless acres of broadleaf woodland helps create the perfect setting for lots of outdoor activities that are kind to the mind, body and soul.

Go wild dining – forage for your supper with Galloway Wild Foods who offer bespoke foraging activities. Combine your love of food and the great outdoors with activities including cycling, kayaking and sailing.

Adventure Carrick, Girvan – specialise in holistic wellbeing adventures with practitioners in foraging, yoga, and more. Discover the art of the tea ceremony in a temperate rainforest in Glentrool and the Wood of Cree.

Rural retreats – enjoy an off-grid stay at Ross Bay Retreat, Walled Garden Touring Park, Drumwhill and Creeside Escape. (All biosphere-certified for sustainability.)

The Merrick – this mountain range is part of the Southern Uplands of Scotland and is popular amongst hillwalkers. It is known as the 'Awful Hand' as they resemble the fingers of a hand.

This is your royal invitation to discover Scotland’s majestic castles and notable kings from the past. Pay a visit to a stately home or uncover the country’s romantic side as you explore castle ruins. Celebrations are also in store for one of Scotland’s famous kings who has a very special birthday this year.

Loch Doon Castle – often referred to as the ‘castle that moved’ because it was taken down stone by stone in 1935 and moved to its current spot so the local hydroelectric scheme wouldn’t impact the curtain wall due to the local hydroelectric scheme. During your visit, you’ll be immersed in its beautiful natural surroundings. Make sure to also explore our castle ruins including Drumore Castle and Dunskey Castle.

Stately homes fit for Scottish royalty – large stately homes were once home to Scotland’s royalty. Visit Culzean Castle and Drumlanrig Castle which have formal gardens, walking trails and much more.

Robert the Bruce birthday celebrations – July marks the 750th anniversary of the birth of Robert the Bruce and there are lots of events planned

Swap city escapes for coastal breaks. One of Scotland’s greatest assets is its wild and rugged landscapes. You’ll find everything from seabird colonies, lighthouses steeped in mystery and can even take your adventures underwater!

Ailsa Craig – known as the 'Granite Jewel of the Firth of Clyde'. Owned by a nature conservation, this wildlife haven is home to a colony of 4,000 gannets and puffins. Did you know, curling stones are made from two-thirds of the stones found here?

Impressive lighthouses – climb 115 steps to the top of the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man and Cumbria on a clear day. In Stranraer, you’ll find the newest lighthouse in operation, Crammag Head Lighthouse. Make sure to also check out the lighthouses at Port Logan, Turnberry, Little Ross Island and Isle Head.

Ayrshire Snorkel Trail – due to launch in June, experience amazing marine life up close and personal.

Scotland has been at the forefront of the industrial revolution for many years and there are lots of attractions and monuments which shine a light on the industries, methods and technologies that have helped shape the modern world.

Barony A Frame – from 1907 to 1989, the Barony Colliery extracted coal from a pit at the Ayrshire village of Auchinleck. Today, all that stands is a huge headgear known as the Barony A Frame. Built in 1954, it was designed to raise coal and to transport miners up and down the shaft and plays a huge part in commemorating the mining heritage and communities.

Wanlockhead – visit the highest village in Scotland. Wanlockhead is best known as the home of the Museum of Lead Mining - celebrating its 50 anniversary in 2024. During your visit, book the Lochnell Mine Tour. The mine was active between 1710 and 1860 and gives a fascinating insight into the process of lead mining and the lives of the miners and their families. Make sure to also visit the nearby waterhole, Wanlockhead Inn – Scotland’s highest pub.

What better way to recharge the batteries than with a breath of fresh air? In the biosphere, you’ll find many outdoor pursuits to help you enjoy the beauty of nature while being kind to the planet.

Long distance trails – whether you’re a walking or cycling enthusiast, we’ve got you covered. Discover the 'Home of the Bike' along the Kirkpatrick C2C. The on-road route offers 250 miles of uninterrupted views from Stranraer on the west coast to Eyemouth on the east coast.

Looking for coastal walking gems? Make sure to add the Southern Upland Way to your list. The 344 km route takes around 12 – 16 days to complete and you’ll come across an interesting mix of wild nature and human history.

Or walk in the footsteps of a saint on the Whithorn Way. The 143-mile route follows in the footsteps of pilgrims who visited the shrine of St Ninian at Whithorn centuries ago.

Gravel biking – is classed with any terrain between the steep, rocky inclines of mountain biking, and the smooth asphalt of road biking. Gravel biking events this year include Gralloch Gravel in May and Raiders Gravel in August/September.

Scotland provides the warmest of welcomes and you’ll also receive a nice one from our fluffy friends too. The Biosphere stands out from the rest and is home to an abundance of wildlife and farm stays. Keep your eyes peeled on where you can find them:

Glenquicken Farm – enjoy a cosy cottage stay with stunning views of the Galloway countryside. Go out and meet all the farm animals who reside here including sheep, horses, hens and pedigree Galloway cattle.

Little Tahall Farm – given the biosphere stamp of approval for its sustainable efforts, from native tree planting to solar panels being installed throughout the farm. Wake up to the sound of songbirds and head down to see the sheep.

Low Auldgirth Steading – reconnect with nature on an eco-friendly farm stay. The farm is home to pedigree flocks of Ryeland and Gotland sheep. Make sure to say hello to the resident Oxford Sandy & Black pigs too.

Galloway Red Kite Trail, Castle Douglas – open all year round, see spectacular red kites, a bird of prey reintroduced to help strengthen the ownership of the kites by local communities.

From ancient monuments and tombs to standing stones, it’s fair to say that Scotland’s first settlers left their mark on the world.

Standing stones – some of the oldest relics of man-made heritage are found in open fields across Scotland. In the biosphere you can see Blairbuy Stones, Drumtroddan Stones, Torhouse Stone Circle and Glenquicken Stone Circle and puzzle the mystery of why they were created.

Cairn Holy chambered tomb – this Neolithic monument is the burial place of the semi-mythical king, Galdus. Many of the stones situated here were stolen for use as local building materials throughout the years.

Founded by the award-winning land artist, Charles Jencks. This former coal mine has transformed into a breathtaking 55-acre cosmic artland for the whole family to enjoy. Open from April to November, the Crawick Multiverse links to the themes of space, astronomy and cosmology with a network of paths which navigate features and landforms representing the sun, universes, galaxies, comets, black holes and more. During the warmer months, make sure to bring a delicious picnic as you marvel at the wonderful creations including the Striding Arches, sandstone sculptures by Andy Goldsworthy which crown the hilltops around Moniaive.

Head out into the water for an invigorating swim. Join Sarah Redman from Swim the Lochs for a unique aquatic experience. You’ll be in safe hands as Sarah is an STA-qualified open water swimming coach and offers individual and group sessions, wellness days and special events such as ‘Dips and Chips’ on Girvan beach.

Biosphere Guides bring a wealth of knowledge to make your holiday extra special. The guides are made up of local people and activity providers who take great pride on high quality sustainable experiences. From foraging to walking tours, there are a wide variety to suit all tastes and budgets. Here is just a selection:

Foot Luce Walking Tours, Newton Stewart – keep your eyes peeled for many of the Biosphere’s Neolithic sites. Do you want to know a cool fact? Scotland has more stone circles than anywhere else in the UK.

Galloway Wild Foods – offers sustainable foraging experiences across an incredible diversity of habitats from mountain to coast.

Alouette Nature Tours – explore flora, fauna and learn more about local folklore associated with the Biosphere. Make sure to listen out to the call of red kites over the Glenkens, whooper swans at Crook of Baldoon and the gannets of Ailsa Craig, an uninhabited island just eight miles off the Ayrshire coast.