Water of Minnoch circuit, Glen Trool

Follow part of the Southern Upland Way through the forests and old woodland near the banks of the Water of Minnoch on this enjoyable round.

Terrain

Forestry tracks, beaten earth and grassy paths. Boggy in places.

Public Transport

None to start; nearest bus stop is in Glen Trool village.

Users' reports

There are no walk reports for this walk. Why not write write one?
Write your report - there's £90 to win at Webtogs each month

Start

Glen Trool Visitor Centre. Map and directions.

grade grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.5km/7 miles
Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 113m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NX371785

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 319 - Galloway South
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the Glen Trool visitor centre; there is a cafe here in the summer. This walk is not waymarked in the manner of the other trails leaving from the centre, so head for the large metal National Cycle Network signpost (see photo) at the start of the earth path leading south alongside the Water of Minnoch. Follow this path through pleasant woodland to reach a very new wooden bridge that replaced the 1970s 'Twin Bridges' built by the Royal Engineers. Cross the bridge and turn right to join the Southern Upland Way (SUW).

Stage 2

This path follows the south bank of the river until the junction with the Water of Trool is reached and the path slowly turns to proceed south. Follow the obvious SUW markers (a white thistle) as the path wends its way to the bridge at Holm of Bargrennan. Cross this and almost immediately dive into the deciduous woodland to the left of the road as directed by the SUW marker.

Stage 3

This section of the walk is extremely attractive; the path heads deep into the woods alive with wildlife flitting in and out of the dappled light streaking through the birch, oak and hazel branches above. Eventually the path rejoins the river and passes an ancient bridge (GR:NX373759) - the bridge and views downriver more than reward a brief detour up the faint path branching off left.

Stage 4

The narrow footpath heads into conifer forest to reach a wide forestry track, follow this left and then straight across an offset crossroads. Continue on this easy track for a time, ignoring the SUW waymarker leading off to the left. Head uphill to be rewarded with breathtaking views over to Lamachan Hill to the east, then turn your back on it by heading left at the T-junction to be met with Galloway's vast tracts of wilderness spread out before you. Conveniently the walking is easy on these well maintained tracks allowing for maximum enjoyment of the view.

Stage 5

All too soon the forest track reaches the metalled road - turn right and take the new footpath that runs parallel to the road back to the Visitor Centre rather than dodging the speeding caravans on the road itself. Take a moment to enjoy the rapids and falls as you cross Stroan Bridge immediately before entering the car park.

Route and photos: Phil Turner

Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing? Please let us know by using the error report form.

Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.