Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre

Watch for wildlife or gaze at the stars

The visitor centre overlooks tranquil Clatteringshaws Loch, a haven for waterbirds in summer, and beyond to the rolling Galloway Hills.

On a clear day, look out for the mighty Merrick, highest hill in the Southern Uplands. Soak up the stunning views or meander beside the loch to the historic Bruce's Stone, one of two stones dedicated to the Scottish king in the Forest Park.

This is also one of the best places to enjoy the night sky – the visitor centre overlooks the darkest part of the Forest Park, which ensures a particularly dramatic stellar show.

Walking trails

Clatteringshaws route card (PDF)

Walking

Bruce’s Stone Trail

Wander through mature woods along the shore of Clatteringshaws Loch to the granite stone where Robert the Bruce is said to have rested. Great views of the Galloway Hills.

Firm gravel surface throughout with some loose stones. Includes short moderate slopes. Look out for vehicles sharing the track.

1 miles / 1.6 km

Allow
½ hour

More information

Look out for woodland and waterside wildlife along the way. In summer, listen for the willow warbler’s rippling song as it hunts for insects amongst the leaves, and the distinctive three-note call of the common sandpiper (a brown and white bird with a long straight beak and a permanently bobbing tail!). You may also be lucky enough to spot our most spectacular summer visitor, the osprey, fishing on the loch.

Activities

Dark Sky Park

Scotland has some of the darkest skies in Europe, and Galloway Forest Park is one of the darkest places in Scotland – which is why it’s the UK’s first Dark Sky Park. Clatteringshaws is a brilliant place to enjoy the night sky – look out for information panels at the visitor centre which will help you spot the stars.

Red Kite Trail

The Galloway Kite Trail is an exciting way to view spectacular red kites in lovely scenery. During the summer, the route includes Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre and Raiders’ Road Forest Drive. Join the trail at Clatteringshaws and look out for these magnificent birds soaring overhead on a scenic route around Loch Ken. There are viewing points, walking trails, viewing hides and a feeding station along the way.

Long distance cycle route

National Cycle Route 7 (Glasgow to Carlisle via Dumfries and Glen Trool) also winds through the Forest Park, linking Clatteringshaws with the other two visitor centres here. You might not want to tackle the whole 200 miles, but get a taste of the experience on scenic stretches of the route.

Facilities and access

Walking

Toilets

Parking (charge)

Cafe or refreshments

Visitor centre

Tourist information

Stay the Night

You'll find toilets and accessible facilities at our visitor centre building.

Opening hours

10 am - 4 pm  Thursday - Monday

Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

Car parking information

Payment options: coin or RingGo

The charges to park at Clatteringshaws are:

• £1.50 for up to 1 hour
• £2 for up to 3 hours
• £4 for all day
• £14 for minibus or coach all day 

Blue badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol. 

Annual parking passes available:

Available in advance by downloading the relevant application form and emailing to the Regional Office. The Galloway and Dumfries and Galloway Annual Pass can also be purchased from the cafes listed on the form. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions (PDF) before applying.

More parking info

Stay the Night

Motorhomes and campervans that are self-contained and have their own toilet facilities will be able to stay overnight at this car park from 1 April – 31 October 2023.

There is a £7 charge to Stay the Night at all participating car parks. Payment can be made through RingGo with details of how to do this at each car park.

To help plan your stay, please see the details below:

• Height barrier – No
• Motorhome capacity of car park – 7
• Suitable for large vehicles/caravans – No
• Parking notes – Use area furthest away from car park entrance. Please leave a 4m gap between other motorhomes.

Please visit our Stay the Night page for full details, participating locations, best practice, and terms and conditions of use.

Stay the night

Accessibility

Getting here

Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre is on the Queen's Way (A712) between New Galloway and Newton Stewart, on the shore of Clatteringshaws Loch.

It's to the east of our other destinations (Glen of the Bar, Talnotry, Wild Goat Park, Red Deer Range, Raiders' Road), so when in doubt, head east!

Using SatNav?

DG7 3SQ is the nearest postcode.

Get directions