GALLOWAY FOREST PARK (Newton Stewart) | Driving the SCOTTISH LOWLANDS | SWC300 E8

SOUTH WEST COASTAL 300 E8: Driving the Raiders Road Forest Drive from Newton Stewart to Clatteringshaws Loch through Galloway Forest Park in the Scottish Lowlands.
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On my drive around the South West Coastal 300 I decided to stop by the small town of Newton Stewart for breakfast and a quick tour before driving the Raiders Road Forest Drive through the incredible Galloway Forest Park - a humongous area of walking trails, lochs, glens, wildlife and stunning scenery situated in the Scottish Lowlands.

It was nice to enjoy a bacon roll and coffee by the river of Newton Stewart and then head into the High Street for a look around. I particularly liked the old church and historic bridge that I crossed heading for the forest. My main objective once I left Newton Stewart was to drive the 10 mile long Raiders Road Forest Drive which is perfect for people trying to see as much of the park as possible in the shortest amount of time.

I started off by stopping at the monument for Alexander Murray, a shepherd boy who went on to become Professor of Oriental Languages at Edinburgh University. The monument is at the top of a hill so a short walk is required to get there, however once at the top the views are tremendous. I decided to talk about Alexander Murray during my walk to the top so take a look at the video for more information.

Just a few miles up the road was a sign indicating the remains of Dunkitterick Cottage - the place where Alexander Murray was born. I walked another short trail (this one much flatter) across rivers and in total solitude to arrive at the ruins of a small stone cottage underneath the backdrop of rugged hills and small mountain tops. As I looked out the window of the cottage I thought about how hardly anything has changed from the view I would have had a few centuries ago.

Back on the road I passed a few lochs and waterfalls before diverting off course to find a place called Otter Pool. The road to get these was narrow and winding but it was well worth the effort. After another brief stop at Clatteringshaws Loch I decided to leave the Raiders Road Forest Drive and head onto Bruce’s Stone which overlooks Loch Trool.

📖 CHAPTERS:
📖 00:00 Newton Stewart
📖 02:46 What is the Galloway Forest Park?
📖 03:45 Murray’s Monument Walk
📖 06:03 Murray’s Birthplace & Cottage (Beautiful Galloway Hills)
📖 09:05 Raiders Road Forest Drive
📖 09:30 Otter Pool in Galloway Forest park
📖 10:33 Driving in Galloway Forest park
📖 11:12 Clatteringshaws Loch
📖 12:49 Bruce’s Stone & Loch Trool

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