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Galloway Forest Park The Forest Park covers 290 square miles of dramatic scenery and wild beauty. Moorlands rise up to the mountains with names like The Merrick, Mullwharcher, the Rhinns of Kells, Icy Hand, Dungeon and Red Deer ranges - and these names are all linked to its history. You could be tempted to spend time here as there are over 200 miles of networked and waymarked trails in the Forest for cyclists of all levels and the lonely Galloway Hills have been the setting for some of the greatest and most terrible events in Scottish history. The Glasgow to Carlisle section of the long distance route passes less than a mile from Glentrool Visitor Centre, and in and around this part of the Forest is the Merrick, Scotland's highest mountain, and the murder scene of the Coventanter Martyrs. It was also home to the Battle of the Steps of Trool, where the Scots stood on the rocky slopes of Mulldonnoch hurling rocks down on the English troops. It was here in the forests and mountains that Robert the Bruce began his attempt to preserve Scotland's independence from the armies of Edward I. After initial success, events began to turn against him and he took refuge. However, inspired by a toiling spider, he tried again with a succcessful campaign, leading in time to Bannockburn and the Scottish throne. Galloway was also the scene of the terrible Killing Time in the reign of Charles II, when Covenanters (Presbyterians who signed the National Covenant to uphold the Presbyterian religion - the Covenanters' stand for political and religious liberty led to almost a century of persecution and their widespread migration to Ireland and the American colonies) defending their religious freedom were ruthlessly hunted down and killed by a government determined to impose bishops on the Scottish Church. Today, the great size and diversity of Galloway Forest Park enables it to support a wide range of wildlife. Salmon, trout and otters live in the rivers, red deer and wild Galloway goats roam the forests and open hills, while great birds like the golden eagle and peregrine falcon soar overhead. There's more on the Park at the visitor centres of Kirroughtree and Stroan Bridge, and Clatteringshaws Forest Wildlife Centre. Each centre has a story to tell with leaflets on the array of cycling tracks and exhibits covering the stories of the wildlife, the heritage and the woodland of the Park. NOTE: Remember that bad weather can close in quickly, so be well prepared when you cycle through the Forest Park. |
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