Accredited since: 2009

Newton Stewart is badged as “the gateway to the Galloway Hills” and is the perfect starting point for walks in the Galloway Hills and the rolling Galloway countryside. We have extensive woodlands to explore and our rugged coast provides many lovely coastal walks.

We run an annual walking festival in May (our 2024 festival will take place from 10th to 16th May), which has been running for the past 20 years. It is the ideal introduction to The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere – an international recognition of the quality of the landscape and cultural and natural heritage of this part of south-west Scotland.

We have also published a free walking guide to our town and work with local businesses and accommodation providers to make sure walkers are always welcome.