Galloway Forest Park: Loch Trool Circular
Glasgow
The Loch Trool circular is a dog friendly walk through some of the finest scenery in the Galloway Forest Park. The route follows green waymarkers on a complete circuit of the loch, passing through ancient oak woodland, crossing burns and taking in views of the surrounding Galloway Hills. The path coincides with a section of the Southern Upland Way and includes a detour to Bruce's Stone.
Dogs love this walk, with the forest paths, lochside trails and burn crossings providing constant stimulation. Off lead is fine throughout, as the route is remote and quiet with no livestock in the forest. The terrain climbs and descends more than expected for a lochside walk, with a couple of flights of steps near the head of the loch. Parking is at Caldons car park in Glen Trool, reached via a minor road from Newton Stewart. Toilets are available at the car park but there is no cafe.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 13.0 km (8.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 4 hr
- Walk Type
- Forest, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Toilets at Caldons car park; no cafe or shop on site.
- Parking
- Caldons car park in Glen Trool, reached via minor road from Newton Stewart.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Galloway Forest Park: Loch Trool Circular dog friendly?
Yes, the Loch Trool circular is a great choice for dogs and earns a 9/10 dog friendly rating. The route offers a wonderful mix of forest paths, lochside trails and burn crossings that dogs tend to love, all within the stunning scenery of Galloway Forest Park.
Can dogs be off lead at Galloway Forest Park: Loch Trool Circular?
Dogs can be off lead throughout the walk, as the route is remote and quiet with no livestock in the forest. It's a genuinely relaxed walk in that sense, so your dog can enjoy the freedom to explore the woodland and lochside paths at their own pace.
What should I know before visiting Galloway Forest Park: Loch Trool Circular with my dog?
Although it's a lochside route, the terrain involves more climbing and descending than you might expect, including a couple of flights of steps near the head of the loch — worth bearing in mind if your dog has mobility issues. Parking is at Caldons car park in Glen Trool, reached via a minor road from Newton Stewart, and there are toilets on site, though no cafe or shop, so bring your own supplies.
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