galloway red kite trail

Traceymfs

Great way to see red kites up close and hear a bit about their story. Lots of kites come in at a certain time every day for feeding. More kites in one place than you will see anywhere else

Rjbcjs

This is the second time we have visited the trail and we were not disappointed. We visited Bellymack farm for the feeding of the red kites. As mentioned by other reviews, the staff were not particularly welcoming on arrival but the lovely RSPB man who was on site and the fabulous views of the red kites made up for it!! Would also recommend visiting the red deer range. We visited when the ranger was there in the early afternoon. He was lovely and told us lots about the deer herd and was more than happy to answer our questions. The wild goat park further down the road is what it says on the tin - a wild goat park. We have been twice and seen them on one of those occasions. A nice place to stop and have lunch with a chance of seeing the goats. A wonderful part of the country, well worth exploring.

bloodbottler

This was our second visit to Bellymack farm, and as before the Kites, the views and the facilities are wonderful( can't comment on the café), the Kites are very close and give fantastic photographic opportunities. In fact this was even better than last time as many fewer have the wing-tags now (I know that they are there for a good reason, but do spoil a picture).The visit was spoiled for us by the woman with a midland accent on the counter who greeted us with "How many" (not good afternoon). I explained there were four in our party, but one wasn't coming in, she replied "you can see the Kites from the car-park, if you're on-site you pay" now I can see the logic in this, and the charge isn't massive, but this woman's attitude was awful. Completely spoiled the visit. The low mark reflects the greeting , not the Kites

tommee2

Scenic drive with the added possibilty of seeing Red Kites. We started at Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre,(basically just a cafe that costs a pound to park, not much to see except excellent views of the Loch. Nearby is Red Deer attraction, (free), can see deer but only worth a brief visit. Also a 'Wild Goat Park - who were certainly Wild as we didnt see a single one! Did eventually see some Kites towards the end of the drive. Also very close is Raiders Road Forest Drive, to vist all of these you must go to CVC first, then the deer/goats and then drive back to the forest drive.

468faisalb

Enjoyed the kite feeding time. 100s of red kites flew in. Great opportunity to take some good photos. The birds were magnificent. One of the best things that we found in dumfries and galloway.

720Richard

The red kite trail is a circular route around Loch Ken, near Castle Douglas in Galloway. There are several recommended stopping points, where you can take a short walk and look f the birds as they go about their business. However, the icing on the cake is the feeding station at Ballymack Farm near Lauriston. Here you pay a small fee for a close up view of the birds being fed at 14.00 each day. There must have been close to 100 birds wheeling and diving in for the meat spread around the field. An unforgettable experience.

kathybam

To ensure you see the Kites the feeding station on the trail is a must. The route itself is ok but doesn't guarantee sightings as the feeding station does.I think it is overated but a pleasant enough way of spending a day.

FleetwoodJulie1306

We saw more red kites than we see seagulls at home by the sea! This was a remarkable trail, beautiful countryside and plenty of stop off parking places/view points/walks. We literally saw dozens and dozens of red kites which was amazing!

682francish

6 adults and two children aged 4 and 5 visited the feeding station. We saw a huge flock of red kite at very close quarters. We had spoken to someone local who said that on their visit they saw 8 or so birds. At the centre we mentioned this and were tol to multiply that number by ten. Can't say we saw 80 but we saw a sky full and buzzard. Well worth a visit.

ChrisandSteve2013

The kites are fed daily at 2pm and is a spectacular sight to see, you don't need to be a bird watcher to enjoy this, There is also a very knowledgeable guide who talks you through the recent re introduction of these birds to Scotland.

steveandgerry

Lots of info and signposts to Kite Trail. The owner farmer whose land the viewing building is on has invested in super accomm overlooking the feeding site. Offers tea/coffee, home made bread, cakes, etc. Also makes charge for viewing - but understandably so. Has RSPB in to give info to visitors - he was very enthusiastic and helpful - had brought Scopes and leaflets - but gets nothing financially for doing this. Think he should make it clear he does it for the love of the birds or rattles his tin a bit.Feeding at 2p.m. most days and I believe they can get birds in double figures. We only saw 4 or 5 - but it was haymaking time and there was plenty food in the fields so they did not have to come for roadkill or chicken that day!

CaroleR9

October 2012 . . We visited part of the trail and the feeding station on a very misty horrible day mid October. The trail is very well planned out with lots to see. When we arrived at the farm we weren't expecting to see many Red Kites due to the weather conditions , however we where advised by a very helpful lady that we would indeed catch sight of some. We were overwhelmed by the amount of birds we spotted, in excess of 70!!! such a fabulous experience to hear them and watch them swoop down to pick up some meat then disappear to the nearby trees to eat. Before returning to get some more. If you love your Red Kites , you would need to spend at least a couple of hours watching these fabulous birds. we're hooked !!The farm has a café area and plenty of pictures you can purchase, alternatively I would recommend you take either a camera or a camcorder as this is an experience you will want to relive . We will be returning to the area later this year and will be calling in again . C & S

MalcolmB58

I have seen red kites in Wales, but there wasn't this resource designated to them. And its not just the kites, the trail takes you through some lovely places making for a great day.