Clatteringshaws Loch and Forest Walk
Clatteringshaws Loch sits at the heart of Galloway Forest Park, reached via the scenic A712 Queen’s Way between New Galloway and Newton Stewart. The Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre is the starting point for several excellent walks, from a gentle lochside loop to longer forest trails heading deep into the dark sky reserve.
The main lochside path is a straightforward 2-mile loop with superb views across the reservoir to the surrounding hills. Dogs can run freely on most of the forest tracks, though it is worth keeping them close near the loch edges in high water. The forest is rich in wildlife — red squirrels, red kites, and roe deer are all regularly spotted, so some dogs may need to stay on lead in areas with signage.
Bruce’s Stone, a monument marking Robert the Bruce’s victory at the Battle of Glen Trool, is a short drive further along the A712 and worth combining into a day out. The visitor centre has seasonal toilets and a small cafe. This is a superb spot for a winter walk when the crowds are thin and the loch is at its most dramatic.