A calm lake reflects rolling hills and a line of trees under a clear blue sky, creating a peaceful and symmetrical landscape scene.
In Walks In The UK

Clatteringshaws Loch in Galloway Forest Scotland

Are you looking to visit Clattreingshaws Loch in Galloway Forest Scotland? Then don’t think about it, do it! Do you ever visit somewhere and I think WOW I think this might be the most beautiful place I have ever been to? I’ve now found that place, Clatteringshaws Loch is just that place for me. 

Large rocks sit at the edge of a calm lake, reflecting distant hills and a clear blue sky. Forested slopes and gentle hills are mirrored perfectly on the water’s surface.

We were staying in Scotland for Christmas and being the first time visiting Scotland we were so excited to visit so many new places. Being from Hampshire which is beautiful in its own way, we’ve never seen scenery like this before. When we drove past Clatteringshaws Loch the first time, we were blown away. It’s just so beautiful. 

A tranquil lake reflects a hillside with green and brown patches, a few scattered houses, and a clear blue sky above. The scene is peaceful and calm, emphasising nature and open space.
A tranquil landscape featuring golden grass in the foreground, evergreen trees, a still reflective lake, and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.

We visited Clatteringshaws Loch on a cold frosty Christmas Eve and everything was dusted with little icicles. The birds were still flying around, and they were super brave! This little robin came right up to our feet hoping we had some food I’m sure! 

A small robin with an orange-red breast stands on frosty grass, surrounded by patches of ice and dew, with a blurred background of rocks and winter foliage.

During the winter Clatteringshaws Loch visitor centre is on reduced opening hours, opening at weekends. Although even though we visited on a weekend, over the Christmas period it shut completely down. There were a few people coming to visit the loch, but it was pretty quiet. We didn’t mind one bit though as it meant the loch was super still and providing that amazing reflection of the hills. 

A calm lake reflects distant hills and a clear blue sky. Frost covers the grasses and rocks in the foreground, and soft sunlight highlights the landscape, creating a peaceful, wintry scene.

You couldn’t tell where the land met the water, I had never seen anything like that before. 

A white house sits on a grassy area surrounded by trees near the edge of a calm lake, with brown hills and scattered trees in the background, all reflected in the water under a clear sky.
A calm lake reflects a hilly landscape with brown grass and scattered trees under a clear blue sky. Rocky shores are visible in the foreground.

I am so pleased we visited on the day we did, with the frost and beautiful blue sky, Clatteringshaws Loch really did look its best. 

A small bird with a brownish-orange chest and black and white wings is perched on the frosty edge of a wooden bench with a blurred background.

This is a perfect place to visit if you’re not able to walk far or children with little legs. There is a little walk of a mile, which is very flat open and easy. This takes you down to a large stone, this is in memory of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland.

A calm lake reflects distant mountains and a clear blue sky, surrounded by golden grass, sparse trees, and a few shrubs in the foreground.

Bruce took refuge in the Galloway hills soon after he was crowned during the Wars of Scottish Independence in 1307. There is a large stone beside the Loch which is said to be where he rested after his battle. We also visited another one of his stones at Loch Trool. 

A large, mossy boulder stands on a frost-covered path surrounded by grass and trees under a clear sky; a stone information plaque lies to the right of the boulder.

We spent about an hour at Clatteringshaws Loch, but when the visitor centre and cafe are open it would be a lovely place to stop and eat, with picnic benches overlooking this view! 

Have a look at the Forestry Commission website for up-to-date prices, parking information and cafe opening

My only regret is that our evenings were clear enough for us to come back to see the stars, as a registered dark sky area it would have been amazing. 

Tips For Clatteringshaws Loch in Galloway Forest Scotland

  • Check website for up-to-date parking and cafe
  • Good parking
  • Good for dog walking
  • Flat gravel pathways
  • Nearby to Deer Feeding
The road stretches into the distance in Galloway Forrest in Scotland. Low lying clouds and hills can be seen in the distance.

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8 Comments

    • Steph Post Author Reply

      Its great for the kids as they don’t walk in a straight line!! So it’s always longer for them

  3. Annette, 3 Little Buttons Reply

    your beautiful photos make me want to visit Scotland even more. It’s already on our travel bucket list and I can’t wait to go x

  4. Anosa Reply

    Scotland is such a gorgeous country with such great scenery as confirmed by Clatteringshaws, we’ve driven past it many times.

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