Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre
Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre Forest Notices
COVID-19 has changed lots of things we do. And as we re-open the majority of our facilities and welcome more of you back in Phase 3, we need your help to do it safely. Please check what’s open before you travel; enjoy your visit safely by following NHS and Scottish Government guidance; take your litter home with you; and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
At this location:
- The car park is open and normal charges (if any) now apply.
- Toilets are open.
- The visitor centre is open.
Please bear with us and check back regularly for updates. You can also find more information by visiting our COVID-19 page and our FAQs.
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.
Guide map to Galloway Forest Park (PDF 4.6MB)
Walking trails
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.
Allow ½ hour
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 & access
You'll find toilets and accessible facilities at our visitor centre building.
The Café at Clatteringshaws
The Visitor Centre and Café are open from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week.
Car parking charges
- £1 for up to 1 hour
- £2 for up to 3 hours
- £3 for all day
- £12 for minibus and coach all day
- £12 for fortnightly pass
Annual parking permits are also available. Contact us for more information.
Stay the Night
Motorhomes and campervans will be allowed to park overnight at this car park.
This is part of a short-term national trial that will run until later in the year, open to self-contained vehicles only. Motorhomes and campervans can stay for one night only at a time between 6pm and 10am. Camping and overnight parking of cars is not allowed.
Before you visit, please read our Stay the Night guidance, terms and conditions:
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 in touch
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