Gortin Glen Forest Park

Gortin Glen Forest Park is an absolute haven for dogs who live for forest sniffs, mountain vistas, and refreshing stream splashes. Whether your pup is a casual stroller or a seasoned summit-climber, this park offers a variety of colour-coded trails that all return to a central trailhead. You can choose the Park & Education Trail for a gentle 30-minute moderate stroll along the lower reaches of the Pollan Burn, which is perfect for families and senior dogs. For those who love the sound of water, the Pollan Trail is a moderate one-hour loop that follows the burn and features a beautiful waterfall set among Lodgepole pine and Sitka spruce.

If your four-legged friend has plenty of energy, the Ladies View Trail offers a more strenuous two-hour hike with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. For the ultimate challenge, the Mullaghcarn Trail is a 3.5-hour trek that leads to the mountain summit and the famous Giant Sculpture. While dogs are very welcome throughout the park, please note that leads are mandatory on the upper section of the Mullaghcarn Trail due to livestock grazing nearby.

Beyond the main paths, you can explore the Glengawna Loops or the Nature Trail, both of which provide a deep dive into the diverse habitats of the park. To keep this natural paradise pristine, visitors are asked to follow the "Leave No Trace" principle by using the refuse bins provided or taking litter home. There is ample parking in the main lot, including dedicated Blue Badge spaces, and on-site toilets are available for your convenience. The park is generally open from early morning until late evening, though it’s always wise to check for short-notice closures due to weather or forestry work before you set off.