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

Opening hours

The café at Clatteringshaws winter opening hours from November 1

Open 10:30am - 3:30pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday  

Closed Monday, Tuesday and 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 

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 or take your completed form and pay at the cafes at Ae, Kirroughtree or Clatteringshaws.
• Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions (PDF) before applying.
• Galloway Pass: valid at the following sites: Kirroughtree, Glentrool, Clatteringshaws, Carrick Forest Drive, Raiders Road Forest Drive
• Galloway Pass application form - £50 per car and £110 per mini bus/coach
• Dumfries & Galloway Pass: valid at the following sites: Kirroughtree, Glentrool, Clatteringshaws, Carrick Forest Drive, Raiders Road Forest Drive, Ae, Mabie, Dalbeattie
• Dumfries & Galloway Pass application form - £70 per car and £125 per mini bus/coach

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

More parking info

Stay the night

Our Stay the Night trial has now closed for the season. All participating car parks have now reverted to no overnight parking permitted, in line with all our car parks.

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