Glentrool, in the heart of the extensive Galloway Forest Park, has a myriad of waymarked trails, ideal for a sheltered stroll on a stormy day.
Early in February, Margaret and I were staying at Castle Douglas for a few days; Margaret as part of a bird watching group, leaving me to explore the area. Alas, we were there in the midst of blizzards on the high tops, such that I had to opt for mor
e sheltered walks. One such walk took me to Loch Howie, but more of that another time, and one led me to a circuit of Loch Trool.
The circuit of less than six miles may take longer than anticipated. The route, with apparently little height gain, is in fact gently undulating, giving an overall climb of some 200m. In addition, time will undoubtedly be spent in admiring the views and musing on the historic aspect of Robert the Bruce and the Battle of Loch Trool.
You will need, Ordnance Survey map 77, Dalmellington & New Galloway. From the A714, the Girvan to Newton Stewart road, some eight miles north of the latter, turn off for Glentrool Village, with both the village and Glentrool being signposted. Continue east past the visitor centre, by the east bank of the Water of Minnoch, and almost two miles later look out for a road to the right, signposted Loch Trool Trail. Go down that road a short distance to a parking area by the concrete bridge over the Water of Trool.
Follow the green waymarkers (Loch Trool Forest Trail) and walk upstream on the west bank of the Water of Trool. At first there is no sight of the loch, then suddenly it appears. The path enters woodland and when it heads north to the Glentrool road, be alert to one waymarker, not too obvious at first. The path becomes a grassy track and the road is soon reached.
The road continues for one mile on the north side of the loch, climbing steadily round the rhododendron covered grounds of Glen Trool Lodge, with gradually emerging views of the loch. At the road end is Bruce's Stone, a large granite boulder and an impressive viewpoint down the length of the loch. Unveiled in June 1929, it is "in loyal remembrance of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, whose victory in this glen over an English force in March 1307 opened the campaign of independence which he brought to a decisive close at Bannockburn on 24 June 1314".
At the road end a path goes north for four miles to South of Scotland's highest hill, Merrick, a Corbett at 843m, however, stay with what is now a gravel track to descend east past Buchan, heading for Glenhead. In curving round the head of the loch, the route goes past the Buchan and Glenhead Woods, stunning oak woodland claimed to be one of the least spoilt in Scotland.
Cross the stone arched bridge over the gorge of the Buchan Burn, ignoring the sign for Gairland Burn and Loch Valley. The track goes through the open wooded flat ground at the head of the loch, crossing a bridge over the tumbling waters of the Gairland Burn. Before reaching Glenhead, be alert to a green post where the path leaves the track by the Glenhead Burn.
Cross the bridge over the Glenhead Burn to join the Southern Upland Way. The path (and Way) climbs slightly then heads west by the southern shores of the loch; a lovely woodland walk arguably more attractive than the north side. Pass a notice board that gives more details of the Battle of Glentrool, a successful ambush aided by an avalanche of boulders.
The final stage of the walk reaches Caldons campsite, now disused. A short distance south of the bridge over the Water of Trool is a memorial in the woods, the Martyr's Tomb, commemorating six Covenanters. The Glentrool visitor centre is not open until 17 March, but that should not stop you from going now to Loch Trool, perhaps for a sheltered walk on a stormy day.
n On the Walk on the Wild Side of 16 February, Keil's Den, the start point indicated on the map was incorrect. The correct start point outside Lower Largo is on the Cupar Road, at OS map reference 410032. Apologies for any confusion caused.
Factfile
Map Ordnance Survey map 77, Dalmellington & New Galloway
Distance Nearly 6 miles
Height Some 200m
Terrain Well-made paths and tracks, with one mile on Tarmac
Start point Car park at west end of loch, map ref 397791
Time 2 to 3 hours
Nearest village Glentrool
Nearest refreshment spot Glentrool Visitor Centre tearoom and shop, open 17 March
The full article contains 790 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
