6 days ago
Hidden gem Scottish loch once witnessed brutal battle for country's independence
The hidden gem is a small but stunning Lowlands loch hidden in the Galloway Hills
Tucked away in the heart of the Galloway Hills, Loch Trool might not have the fame of its Highland cousins, but it's every bit as breathtaking. This narrow stretch of water in Dumfries and Galloway is a hidden gem of the Lowlands, and for those in the know, it's one of Scotland's best-kept secrets.
Just eight miles from Newton Stewart, the loch sits in the Southern Uplands, flanked by rugged hills and thick forest. At only 400 metres wide and 1.5 miles long, it may be modest in size, but its appeal is anything but small, Scottish Daily Express reports.
Visitors can enjoy a 5.5-mile circular walk that takes around three hours to complete, winding through ancient woodland, along hillside tracks, and beside peaceful shores. The route is part of the Southern Upland Way and offers picture-perfect views from start to finish.
Online reviews paint the loch as a peaceful haven. One walker on TripAdvisor described it as an 'amazing place to go for a walk or to camp out. Beautiful views, free car park, relaxing time, good sleep in wild.' Others have called the scenery 'stunning' and 'breathtaking'.
But Loch Trool isn't just a treat for the eyes, it's also a stargazer's dream. Set within Galloway Forest Park, a designated Dark Sky Park, the loch is said to lie in the darkest area of the UK, according to Wikipedia.
It's a magnet for astronomy enthusiasts, so if you do plan a visit after sunset, bring a powerful torch to help you find your way.
The loch's atmosphere is made all the more striking by its historical significance. It was here, on the banks of Loch Trool, that Robert the Bruce staged a daring ambush against English forces during the First War of Scottish Independence.
In April 1307, Bruce and his band of 300 men took on 1,500 English cavalry under the command of the Earl of Pembroke. Using the narrow path along the water's edge, Bruce's forces dealt heavy damage.
It was a turning point in Bruce's campaign and a prelude to his first major victory at the Battle of Loudon Hill just weeks later.
Today, the events are commemorated with Bruce's Stone, a massive granite boulder perched on a hill overlooking the north shore. It marks not only a moment of triumph, but a place where history and nature meet in spectacular fashion.
How to get there:
From Newton Stewart, take the A714 heading north towards Girvan. At Bargrennan, turn right for Glentrool village and follow signs to the Glen Trool visitor centre. Continue past the centre for about 3km and take the first tarred road on your right.
This leads to a car park just before a small bridge, your starting point for the walk.
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Route highlights:
Begin at the car park and follow green waymarkers leading onto the Southern Upland Way. You'll pass Caldons House and remnants of the ancient woodlands that once filled Glen Trool.
The trail then climbs through dense conifers on the loch's steep southern side.
At the loch's head, cross a bridge and leave the Southern Upland Way to follow the quieter northern shore, meandering through Buchan and Glenhead woods.
A short detour will take you to Bruce's Stone before the route loops back to your starting point, making for a rewarding and memorable day out.
