Bruce's Stone Clatteringshaws

This is Bruce's Stone on the shores of Clatteringshaws Loch and is the little brother of the much larger stone in Glen Trool.

The stone is believed to be where Robert the Bruce rested after defeating the English here at Moss Raploch in 1307.

Robert the Bruce seized the Scottish throne in 1306, but was immediately defeated by the English.

The following year, he came out of hiding in the Hebrides to retake the throne, but in March, while hiding in the hills around here, the English Army happened to make camp close by.

Robert the Bruce and his men waited until dark and defeated the English Army. Whilst his men were retrieving weapons, Robert is said to have rested on this stone.

Shortly after this battle, he continued to Glen Trool where he again defeated an English troop. To find out more information, please see our Bruce's Stone Glen Trool page.

This granite stone is in its original position, however, the loch would not have existed at the time. The Loch was created in 1930 when Clatteringshaws Dam was constructed on the River Dee.

If you fancy a visit, there is a large car park next to the Clatteringshaws Visitors Centre. The visitor centre is currently closed, but upon further investigation, we found that it has been purchased by the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory (SDSO).

To reach Bruce's Stone, follow the path anti-clockwise around the loch, remembering to take in the incredible views. The hills to the right are the Rhinns of Kells, the hills to the left are those of the Galloway Forest. In the middle you can see The Merrick on a clear day.

As you follow the path, keep an eye out to your left, where there are the remains of a reconstructed Iron Age Roundhouse.

There are some very interesting seats, if you fancy a break with a view.

Fortunately there are some signs along the way to keep you right.

It is less than 1km to Bruce's Stone.

Follow the above route, or find on OS Maps.