Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve

In this section

A wilderness experience

Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve (NNR) is one of the wildest places in south-west Scotland – but is still surprisingly accessible. It’s a paradise for walkers, with panoramic views over a patchwork landscape of muted colours.

There are plenty other things to do at Cairnsmore. Watch out for some spectacular birds of prey that hunt over the open landscape. There’s a pond to explore near the visitor centre and a short level walk around the farm area.

Find out more about visiting Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR.

Top attractions

• Look out for sculptures by local environmental artists nestling in the landscape.
• If you’re quick, you may spot a peregrine falcon – the world’s fastest bird.
• Listen out for the distinctive cackling of red grouse.

Find out more about the reserve and its natural history.

What’s on?

Visit our Events page to see what upcoming events you can get involved in at this reserve.

Contact

Reserve officer: Neil McKie
NatureScot
Reserve Office
Dromore Farm
Gatehouse of Fleet
DG7 2BP
Telephone: 01557 814435
Email: [email protected]

Find out more

Discover more about why Scotland’s National Nature Reserves were created and the partners who manage them.

Related Links

Follow our NNR Facebook page for up-to-date information on reserves across Scotland.

Follow NatureScot’s Scotland’s Nature blog and find interesting articles on Scotland’s natural heritage.

Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR is a core area within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve.

Our visitor centre is rated Gold under the GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme).

Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR is a member of VisitScotland.

Enjoyed your visit?

  • Make a donation to support nature and visitor facilities on our NNRs.
  • Let us know what you thought on TripAdvisor.

Thanks to funding from the Scottish Government's Peatland ACTION programme, delivered in partnership with NatureScot and other agencies, peatland on this National Nature Reserve is being restored. Putting peatland on the road to recovery is helping Scotland tackle the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. 

PeatlandACTION dual language logo with strapline horizontal - RGB

Find out more on

Related Links