Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere

Explore the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and discover untouched coastlines, deep forests and historic rural communities. As well as being a beautiful location to visit, the biosphere is a precious habitat for plants and wildlife. Covering a vast area of south-west Scotland, the area centres around the hills and moors of the Merrick, which were originally formed by glaciers.

The Merrick, de hoogste bergtop van Zuid-Schotland
© Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

Discover why the Biosphere is so special

This was Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere and was designated in 2012. It joined an international network of over 700 biospheres around the world.

Cairn Holy
© Galloway and Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere is full of outdoor adventures, geological wonders and fascinating history. Stone Age people, Roman soldiers, Viking settlers, and the earliest Christian community in Scotland have all called this area home.

At the heart of the biosphere, you’ll find rivers flowing out of the Galloway Hills and through the  Galloway Forest Park. This spot is also world-renowned for its spectacular dark skies, so head out afterhours to see the night sky light up with bright stars and constellations.

Cool Things To Do in The Biosphere

Did you know the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere was featured on National Geographic’s Cool List!? Create your own personal biosphere trip filled with outdoor activities, cultural attractions and local food and drink.

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

Check out the coolest things to see and do in the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.

Biosphere Experiences

Create a truly authentic biosphere experience.

Exploring the local area

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere covers 9,720km² of southwest Scotland’s land and sea. Explore ancient broadleaf woodland, or follow the coastline, which ranges from towering cliffs with breathtaking views to long sandy beaches.

Adventure Carrick in Southern Ayrshire
© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

Find experiences

Explore the wild forests of Galloway Dark Skies Park, walk and cycle along the shores of glittering lochs, or delve into exciting attractions and experiences.

Find out about Biosphere Guides

Archery at Galloway Activity centre on Loch Ken — Boogschieten bij Galloway Activity Centre bij Loch Ken

Sustainable Local Businesses

These Green Tourism businesses are assessed on everything from energy efficiency to biodiversity and awarded bronze, silver or gold. Find a sustainable attraction to visit or stay somewhere unforgettable…

Find more certified and sustainable local businesses

How to get here

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere is in Scotland’s rural southwest, accessible via the main public transport hubs in central Scotland and the north of England, as well as scenic ferry services from Ireland and further afield.

Ayr Railway Station
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Train

Trains run regularly from Glasgow to Ayr, and onto Barrhill in South Ayrshire. From Ayr, some trains continue along the coast to Girvan and Stranraer. Trains run in the east of Dumfries & Galloway from Carlisle or Glasgow through Gretna Green, Annan, Dumfries, Sanquhar and Kirkconnell. A direct service to Lockerbie from Glasgow and Edinburgh is also available.

Plan your travel with ScotRail

Bus arriving in Dumfries
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Bus

National bus services connect Scotland’s cities with smaller towns around the biosphere, and Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayr and Dumfries are all good places to begin your journey. You will also find a good network of local bus services connecting almost all the region’s villages and towns.

Find a bus or coach route with Citylink or First Bus

Clatteringshaws to Glentrool
© Galloway Cycling Holidays / Warren Sanders

Bike

To experience the biosphere on two wheels, try Biosphere Bikes in Girvan. Holder of the Biosphere Certification Mark, this sustainable social enterprise offers regular and e-bikes for hire, including a range of accessible bikes. Find out more about cycling in the biosphere.

Car

Dumfries & Galloway and Ayrshire have a great network of roads, which makes it easy to get around the region. Most are quiet and peaceful, so you can enjoy stress-free country driving between the towns and villages.

Learn more about driving in Scotland

Plane

Carlisle Lake District airport operates direct flights from London, Belfast and Dublin, providing easy access to south Scotland. Fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow airports from across the UK and Europe, including Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Dublin and Amsterdam.

Find more communities within the biosphere to stay in and explore.