Loch View trail, Clatteringshaws

Explore the lochside, passing a replica Iron Age roundhouse, to reach the Bruce's Stone before climbing through forestry to a viewpoint high above the loch with views to Merrick and the surrounding hills.

Terrain

Easy waymarked paths, gentle uphill climb. Lochside section can flood - detour on road necessary.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre (charge). Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Start at the car park (charge) for the visitor centre at Clatteringshaws Loch. Here there are toilets, a cafe and a wildlife information centre. Start with the lochside detour to the Bruce's Stone, passing the visitor centre and heading through a gate. On the left is a replica of an iron-age roundhouse which a family might have lived in 2000 years ago. Continue along the path. This section sometimes floods when the water level is high. If flooded head back to the visitor centre and up to the road, turn left along the road until a track on the left returns you to the path at a parking area for the Bruce's Stone.

Stage 2

Head through the small parking area and follow the clear path to reach the Bruce's Stone. The site is where King Robert the Bruce is said to have rested following his victory over the English near here in 1307. The actual site of the battle at Craignell is now submerged by the reservoir which was completed in 1935 and provides water via a long tunnel to Glenlee power station as part of the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme. Return to the visitor centre car park past the hut.

Stage 3

For the walk proper, now head up to the main road. Cross it and take the track opposite to head across the open field. Climb the stile at the start of the forestry. There is a good view back over the loch.

Stage 4

Continue along the forest track, with a felled area to the right. At the next junction continue straight ahead, the turn on the right is the return route. Soon another junction is reached, turn right here following the white marker post to head uphill on another forestry track. Glimpses of the loch and surrounding countryside can be seen through the trees.

Stage 5

The route continues to climb Benniguinea but before the summit is reached, turn right onto a marked path. This rougher path can sometimes be wet underfoot. It heads down through the trees, passing some broadleaf trees with good views over the water and hills. The path eventually emerges at a turning area on a forestry track. Head to the right down the forestry track.

Stage 6

Soon this reaches the track taken earlier, turn left here to return to the stile and retrace the route back over the open field to the road and visitor centre below.

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