Bruce’s Stone, Loch Trool

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Visit Bruce’s Stone

From the car park, it’s just a short easy stroll to Bruce's Stone, which stands on a wonderful vantage point overlooking the shimmering waters of the loch to the rolling hills beyond. It commemorates Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, and the Battle of Trool in 1307.

It’s hard to imagine, looking at this peaceful landscape, that such a bitter battle took place here 700 years ago. From the site of the stone you would have seen the drama unfold, as English soldiers were ambushed as they walked along the far shore of Loch Trool. A bugle was sounded as the soldiers approach the Steps of Trool and Bruce’s men released a volley of stones onto the surprised troops. Those who turned to flee met heavily armed men behind them. Victory was swift and bloody. Robert the Bruce went on to win the Battle of Bannockburn near Stirling in 1314, securing independence for Scotland.

Merrick Hill Access Path

The mighty Merrick, the highest mountain in the Southern Uplands, stands guard over Loch Trool. The views from the summit are stunning, but this is a serious hill route for well-prepared walkers.

The Merrick’s summit is at 2,766 feet (843m) and it’s a round trip of 8 miles (12.8 km). The well-worn path from Bruce’s Stone car park is very tempting, but the route to the summit is a serious undertaking and should only be attempted by experienced hillwalkers.

The route is not waymarked, so you need to take a map and compass with you. Remember that even in summer the weather can change very quickly in the Galloway Hills, so be prepared.

If you’re looking for something less strenuous, you can enjoy one of Scotland’s finest views without heading for the high ground. Sample the spectacle on the short trail up to Bruce’s Stone from the car park. See Loch Trool glittering at your feet and the Galloway Hills rolled out before you.

Routine tree felling operations are currently taking place next to the Merrick Hill Path. The path will not be closed. The operators on site will control the machinery when walkers wish to use the path. Please follow all directions for safety. Information is posted at the start of the trail.

Long distance cycle route

National Cycle Route 7 (Glasgow to Carlisle via Dumfries and Glen Trool) winds along the shore of Loch Trool and links Glentrool Visitor Centre with the other two visitor centres in the Forest Park. You might not want to tackle the whole 200 miles, but get a taste of the experience on scenic stretches of the route.

Long distance trail

The Southern Upland Way runs along the south shore of Loch Trool. This is Britain's first official coast to coast long distance footpath, running 212 miles (340 km) from Portpatrick on the Dumfries & Galloway coast to Cockburnspath on the North Sea between Edinburgh and Berwick on Tweed. It’s a dramatic and challenging route through the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands. Sample a scenic stretch from Glentrool to Loch Trool and see if you’re inspired to walk the rest!

Seeing stars

This part of the Forest Park is a brilliant place to enjoy the night sky – and there are information panels about stargazing in Glentrool Visitor Centre car park. Because it’s so dark, the Forest Park is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the stars, which is why it has been designated a Dark Sky Park. On a clear night the stars are so bright that you don’t need a telescope or even binoculars to enjoy them.

Two Bruce's Stones?

There are indeed two stones that celebrate Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, in Galloway Forest Park.

The stone here at Loch Trool overlooks the site of a violent skirmish between Scots and English troops in 1307. It sits on a dramatic outcrop, with breathtaking views of the rolling hills and sparkling loch, and is a poignant memorial of this country's troubled past.

To find the other Bruce's Stone, head for Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre. It's a short stroll along the lochside to reach the stone where, like Robert the Bruce, you can rest a while and soak up the scenery.

Contact: Galloway Forest District

Address: Creebridge, Newton Stewart

Postcode: DG8 6AJ

Telephone: 0300 067 6800

Email: galloway@forestry.gsi.gov.uk