THERE are some wildlife spectacles so unexpected in their splendour that you feel as if you have stumbled across some secret, hiding in plain sight.

Yet that is how I felt, standing on a farmhouse balcony, watching the sky above me fill with legions of soaring wild red kites.

Hunted to extinction in Scotland in the 19th century yet re-introduced within the past 30 years, these magnificent birds of prey would be a sight to behold at any time.

But to watch them gather en masse above, before dropping from the sky, talons bared to snatch fresh meat – just yards from a viewing balcony – is to witness one of this country’s most majestic wildlife experiences.

Scotland’s wild heart is so often considered to be the Highlands that to find such a marvel just 90 minutes drive from Glasgow was another treat.

I stood with around two dozen other visitors to watch kite after kite zero in at the red kite feeding station based at Bellymack Hill Farm in Laurieston, Dumfries and Galloway.

As their rapier thrusts snatched food in front of us, the moment was met with gasps of “oohs” and “aahs” from those beside me – and the sound of a dozen high-speed camera shutters clicking to capture this unusual display.

Yet red kite viewing is just one of many wildlife treats to sate the appetite of nature-lovers visiting this area.

The border area may well be rural – and home to small villages rather than built-up towns and cities – but that means it avoids the industrial grime. As a result, it boasts an abundance of creatures great and small – but all within easy reach of Scotland’s central belt.

I started my day of wildlife-spotting at the region’s famed Galloway Forest Park. This natural jewel is not only home to one of the best star-gazing "dark sky" parks in Europe, but also a fantastic place to view courtly red deer up close.

My partner spent a fascinating hour mingling with – and helping to feed – some of the park’s red deer alongside the rangers. A real treat for children, this will delight the young, while keen photographers can get close to some of the stags in a special deer viewing hide.

Meanwhile, I strapped our baby daughter into a sling and hiked through one of the park’s stunning riverside forest trails with our excited dog.

Just along from the red deer park, an imposing giant obelisk standing tall atop a hill sparked our curiosity and make us pull over and investigate.

It turned out to be Murray’s Monument.

Not a hastily arranged tribute to Andy following his second Wimbledon win and Olympic Gold Medal this summer, but the locals’ moving attempt to celebrate the achievements of one Alexander Murray.

He was the son of a nearby shepherd who went from humble beginnings to become professor of oriental languages at Edinburgh University.

The climb to the monument, which was erected in 1835, is rather steep – but worth it if you have the legs as you get stunning panoramic views of the lush green Galloway valley.

After our hike, and while cutting through the forest along Raider’s Road in search of lunch, we came across Otter’s Pool, an amazing place for a pit-stop.

Here the river meanders back and forth creating a slew of rock pools and rapids, which were a huge hit with the children playing in the water and navigating them in inflatable rafts.

Although the area was busy with people having barbecues and picnics, it did not seem crowded as the mini-paradise stretches over a large area and can be enjoyed by all.

It was a wrench to leave the forest park, which had unexpectedly captivated us, but we promised ourselves a return visit next summer.

After our day’s excursions we retreated to our country residence at the enchanting Trigony House Hotel and its welcoming log fire.

Set in truly beautiful gardens, the hotel charms you from the start – with staff doing all they can to ensure guests switch off from city life and relax.

Within the hotel is an award-winning restaurant, which overlooks the garden and serves amazing locally-sourced food, some of which is grown in the grounds.

A big plus for our family is finding a hotel that is genuinely pet-friendly and not just tolerant of our lively flatcoat retriever puppy.

At Trigony, they just love dogs and couldn’t have been more helpful in guiding us to good brisk walks and pointing out where their hose, shampoo and towels were kept for when our muddy pet returned from romping in the countryside.

After a sound night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast we headed off to the nearby Drumlanrig Castle.

An imposing symmetrical late-Renaissance building, it is home to the world-renowned Buccleuch collection of art including Rembrandt’s Old Women Reading.

The castle is set in 40 acres and comprises extensive formal gardens as well as woodland trails with many paths to explore. A whole day could be spent getting lost in this wonderland.

And to help keep the kids entertained there is a pretty impressive adventure playground, which boasts a 13metre high tower with a 10metre tunnel slide for the daredevils.

From the splendour of this castle we headed to the sandy beaches and dramatic coast of the Solway Firth.

One of the most popular spots is Rockcliffe and its cliff-top walks to nearby Kippford or Sandyhills.

Considered by some as among the best walks in Scotland, the coastal paths are home to many nesting seabirds and on a clear day you can see as far as the Isle of Man and over towards the Lake District.

We spotted plenty of cormorants before heading inland onto the Jubilee Path to follow the woodpecker trail into the woods.

The abundance and variety of wildlife on offer had captivated us throughout our visit and we will be checking our diaries to see when we can return.

Colin McNeill and family were guests of the Trigony House Hotel www.trigonyhotel.co.uk