Days out
Crook of Baldoon
BraeheadOpenSee opening timesRamble through wide-open spaces, watching for Lapwings and Wheatears, as the Galloway Hills look on in the distance.
About
Crook of Baldoon is a breathtaking panorama of saltmarsh, mudflats and hills. Cairnsmore of Fleet and the Galloway Hills act as a backdrop to wild saltmarsh and mudflats that are thriving with birdlife. Between December and March the Crook plays host to thousands of winter visitors such as Pink-footed and Barnacle Geese and a large number of Shelducks, Whooper and Mute Swans which feed and roost on the merse.
In the hawthorn and crab apple trees you might see hundreds of Redwings and Fieldfares. Along the upper saltmarsh there are Wheatears, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks, as well as Linnets and Goldfinches.
Since taking on the reserve in 2010, we have restored farmland and a willow crop to wet grassland. This provides a breeding habitat for Lapwing and Redshank, as well as increasing the richness of other wildlife.
At a glance
15 spaces. No height restrictions. No lighting. No overnight parking between 1st March and 31st August. All firm, flat, bare and grassed ground. Approach is single track road with potholes (maintained by local council).
Nearest accessible facilities are in Wigtown, 4 miles (6 km) away.
Nearest baby changing facilities are in Wigtown, 4 miles (6 km) away.
Pushchair Accessible
Pushchair Accessible
One compacted rubble and stone pathway from car park north to south side of Bladnoch river (signposted Wigtown harbour) and accessed via kissing gate from car park. 300 metre path alongside large lagoon next to entrance road and suitable for wheelchair access.
Nearest toilets are in Wigtown, 4 miles (6 km) away.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) and in areas with livestock we would ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead and please clean up after your dog.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Crook of Baldoon
crookofbaldoon@rspb.org.uk Shell Rd, Newton, Dumfries and Galloway, DG8 9AF 01776 840 539