Image shared for Loch Trool: Full Loch and Oak Woodland Circuit
Countryside Circular

Loch Trool: Full Loch and Oak Woodland Circuit

Dumfries and Galloway

Distance
6.3 mi
Est. time
4h
Difficulty
Hard
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at Caldons car park and follow the green Loch Trool Loop waymarks. The circuit runs through oak woodland along the northern side of the loch, uses a section of the quiet access road near the Bruce's Stone parking areas, then follows forest tracks towards Glenhead. Cross the bridge and return along the southern shore on the established lochside path. Stay with the green route at the junctions for the Merrick and the longer upland trails.

Allow around four hours for the full circuit. Forestry and Land Scotland grades it as strenuous: the gravel surface is loose and uneven in places, with some long, fairly steep slopes, steps and a narrow bridge. This is a woodland and loch circuit, but it still needs reasonable fitness and secure footwear. Take care on the road section and beside the water. Carry a map, waterproofs, food and water, and allow enough daylight for the return.

Caldons is the trail's designated starting car park, reached along the forest road beyond the Glentrool visitor centre. Check parking signs on arrival. The visitor-centre cafe and toilets are back along the road and are available during its opening hours, so use them before driving to the start. Keep dogs under close control and avoid swimming or stepping out onto shoreline rocks.

Route information: Forestry and Land Scotland's Glentrool trail guide, route map and current visitor notices.

Walk details

Walk type
Circular
Category
Countryside
Distance
6.3 mi (10.1 km)
Est. time
4h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Walk this route on your own

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.