Staying at Orroland places you within comfortable reach of Galloway Forest Park while allowing you to return each evening to the calm of our five-star coastal holiday cottages, set within peaceful gardens and grounds by the sea.
Scenic drives through the forest
One of our favourite ways to experience Galloway Forest Park is by car, following the Queen’s Way. This spectacular route winds through the heart of the forest, passing lochs, hills and wide open viewpoints that feel a world away from everyday life.
In summer, the Raiders Road is particularly memorable. This nine-mile drive cuts right through the forest and offers a wonderful sense of immersion in the landscape, with frequent places to stop, take photos and simply enjoy the scale and quiet of the surroundings.
Walking trails for all abilities
Galloway Forest Park is a superb destination for walking, with routes ranging from gentle woodland paths to demanding hill walks. One of our personal highlights is the circular walk around Glentrool, which combines forest trails, lochside views and a real sense of tranquillity.
For more adventurous walkers, the climb up Merrick, the highest mountain in southern Scotland, is well worth the effort. On a clear day, the views from the summit are exceptional and give a powerful sense of the wildness that defines this part of the country.
Space, silence and dark skies
Beyond its scenery and walking, Galloway Forest Park is also renowned for its peace and remoteness. Large areas of the park are part of the Galloway International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the UK for stargazing.
Guests staying in self-catering near Galloway Forest Park often remark on the sense of space and stillness — qualities that pair beautifully with Orroland’s own quiet coastal setting and natural surroundings.
Exploring Galloway Forest Park from Orroland
A visit to Galloway Forest Park makes an unforgettable day out from Orroland, whether you’re enjoying a scenic drive, a gentle forest walk or a more ambitious climb. Its scale means you can return again and again during your stay, discovering different areas each time.
Choosing self-catering near Galloway Forest Park allows you to experience some of southern Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes, while enjoying the comfort, privacy and five-star luxury of Orroland’s coastal holiday cottages.
Luxury holiday cottages in Dumfries and Galloway
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Abbotsway Cottage
(sleeps 2-5)Hidden from the world, your only neighbours will be sheep and cattle grazing in the field nearby. Set at the head of a wooded valley, Abbotsway Cottage offers a place to curl up by the log burner and share special moments with your closest friends and family. -
Cutlar’s Lodge
(sleeps 2-5)Set in an immaculate and charming garden, Cutlar's Lodge is an idyllic spot where you can hide away from everyday life. A cosy and welcoming stone holiday cottage, you’ll find every comfort imaginable: homemade cake on your arrival, a roaring open fire and stunning views over the wildflower meadow. -
Auchengashell
(sleeps 2-8)This distinctive and stylish luxury holiday cottage in Dumfries and Galloway, set against the backdrop of the Solway Firth and extensive private gardens, boasts generous, welcoming spaces perfect for private getaways with loved ones. Gather and reconnect in comfort and convenience, with everything you need for a memorable escape right at your fingertips.