The Bruce Run
South West Scotland
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Route at a Glance
This route takes you through Robert The Bruce territory and into the centre of the Galloway Forest to Glentrool. An area that Robert The Bruce camped at in 1307. From Bruce’s stane (stone) you get a magnificent 360 Degree view of the area.
You will not regret Glentrool, it’s one of those places that you will feel privileged to have seen.
Route Notes & Highlights
(Icons on the map)
- Moffat – The biking heart of the region. A quaint picturesque market village with a variety of choice in shops and eateries. The home of the renowned Moffat toffee shop. Also the burial place of Tar Macadam the creator of the tarmac as we know it.
- Mennock Pass – Some impressive views from the valley floor and if you get your timing right in August the surrounding hills turn a deep purple with their generous covering of heather.
- Museum of Lead Mining – A Visit Scotland 4 Star Visitor Attraction set in the picturesque village of Wanlockhead. It boasts a real 18th century lead mine set deep in the hillside where visitors can experience the thrill of going underground!
- Wanlockhead – Strange as it may seem but this is Scotlands highest Village at an average height of 1,304 feet (397 m)
- Gold Panning – as well as all the other minerals in the lowther hills some of the world’s purest gold at 22.8 carats can be found along it’s streams, some of which was used to make the Scottish Crown. More often than not you will come across amateur panners along it’s streams. The World Gold Panning Championships was first held here in 1992 and has become an annual event
- Bruce’s Stane – There is a car park located near Bruce’s Stane, a monument commemorating the victory of Robert the Bruce over the English forces of Edward II at the Battle of Glen Trool in 1307.
- Galloway Forest Park – Established in 1947 and at 300 square miles this is Britain’s largest forest park. It is also known for its status as a “dark sky park” due to its remoteness. There are three visitor centres at Glentrool, Kirroughtree and Clatteringshaws.
- Glentrool Visitor Centre – This is a tranquil spot at the heart of the forest where you can unwind in the café and watch woodland animals or enjoy the lively waters that meet at stunning Loch Trool.
- Creetown Gem Rock Museum – One of the finest private collections of gemstones, crystals, minerals, rocks and fossils in its award-winning Gem Rock Museum. Not just a static display there are some interactive experiences too.
- Kirkcudbright – Kircudbright became a magnet for Scottish artists in the late 19th century, and is now known as The Artists’ Town because of this association. Town attractions include the Tolbooth Art Centre and Harbour Cottage Gallery.
- Sandyhills Beach – Dumfries and Galloway’s most popular beach. It might not rival that of the tropics but the locals certainly make the most of it.
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Filling Stations on Route
A great run with a number of fueling stations on route. However, I would refuel before you go into the Galloway Forest Park as you may want to deviate from the route and explore the numerous road networks within the Galloway Forest Park. There are a number of fuel stations in nearby Newton Stewart.