A place of beauty and tranquillity, Clatteringshaws Loch is a must for anyone who loves to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and soak up nature.
⚠️ The café and toilets have been closed since Feb ’25. 😔 If/when the café reopens, we’ll update this post.
Redevelopment of the Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre
There’s some exciting news from the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory: Their application to D&G Council for planning permission to redevelop the former Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre complex has been granted!
This will allow for plans to redevelop and extend the former Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre, near New Galloway, to create an astronomical observatory, planetarium and visitor centre in the heart of the internationally recognised Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park.
We’ll update this page if and when we hear more 😊
We first stumbled upon Clatteringshaws Loch by accident, whilst looking for a geocache. It’s freshwater reservoir that was created by damming the Galloway River Dee as part of the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme.
We were amazed by how incredibly peaceful and secluded it was. We were on the other side of the loch from the visitor centre and saw nobody else.
On our next visit we parked by the visitor centre, but even here, the whole feel of the place is of peace and quiet. The centre overlooks tranquil Clatteringshaws Loch which is a haven for waterbirds in summer. Across the loch are the rolling Galloway Hills.
Wander down to the stony shores on the edge of the Loch and have a picnic, skim stones or just soak up the stunning views. When the loch is really still you’ll get some spectacular photos.
You can also meander along the path beside the loch to the historic Bruce’s Stone. It’s one of two stones dedicated to the Scottish king in the Forest Park, and where “maybe” (?) he sat after battle.
For a longer walk, cross the road and climb nearby Benniguinea for stunning views back over the Loch. An even more challenging walk is Cairnsmore of Dee.
Around the visitor centre there are plenty of picnic benches and an abundance of bird feeders. So, whatever time of year you visit you’re sure to see plenty of bird life.
We loved sitting inside the café at a window table and watching the finches feeding right in front of us, thanks to the bird feeders fixed on the windows. We also caught glimpses of woodpeckers last time we were here.
⚠️ As of Feb ’25 the café and toilets are closed.
The cafe is small but pleasant and serves a delicious array of cakes and hot drinks ☕️. There’s also a small gift shop with some nice souvenirs.
Clatteringshaws is definitely one of our favourite places in Scotland and we recommend it to anyone who loves nature.
Stargazing
Clatteringshaws is also one of the best places in the world to enjoy the night sky! The visitor centre overlooks the darkest part of the Forest Park. So if you fancy staying into the evening, armed with a flask of hot chocolate, you’ll be rewarded with a particularly dramatic show of stars. However, even when the café and centre were open, the toilets closed at the same time as the visitor centre, so please take this into account if you’re planning to star gaze – maybe just a small flask 😉
Contact, Links & Reviews
Tel: 0300 067 6900 (option 2) / 0131 370 5900
Email: enquiries.south@forestryandland.gov.scot
forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park/clatteringshaws-visitor-centre
Planning Your Visit
33 miles SW ~52 mins drive DG7 3SQ
Clatteringshaws House,
New Galloway,
Castle Douglas
DG7 3SQ
⚠️ As of Feb ’25 the café and toilets are closed. If/when the café reopens, we’ll update this post.
Café opening days and hours vary according to the season, so it’s best to check the website to avoid disappointment.
Opening days 7 days a week in season or Thursday – Sunday.
Opening times usually between 11am and 3:30pm (last orders taken 30 mins before closing).
There is currently (Oct ’23) no charge for day parking at Clatteringshaws (Stay the Night charges apply).
Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/DVqLG7Z1VDUJEZGEA
