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Clatteringshaws Loch (2 routes)

Some steep climbs and fast descents.

Clatteringshaws Loch was formed in 1935 when the River Dee was dammed. The water is piped to Glenlee power station. This was the first large scale hydro-electric power scheme that was developed in Scotland; it preceded those in the highlands which were all developed after World War 2.

The wild goats which you may see as you cycle through this area are feral goats (domestic goats which have gone wild). Their young are born in January and February so you are likely to see them if you are going through in the spring. If goats are disturbed they make an explosive hiss through their nostrils, this can carry half a mile. Roe deer are also quite common.

The routes here have Clatteringshaws Loch as their focal point and offer good views of the loch and the Galloway hills. Near to the loch and the A712 is Clatteringshaws Forest Wildlife Centre. This has a tea room, and a set of high-quality displays illustrating local wildlife. The routes involve some cycling on the public road, however the A712 is fairly quiet. Bear in mind that there will be other users of the forest, walkers on the Southern Upland Way for example. Warn them if you come up from behind and say thank you if they give way. Keep clear of any timber operations. The other route is easy so is in the trail riding category

This route is graded moderate because it is on forest roads. Bear in mind however that there are some steep sections with loose surfaces. There may be an occasional forestry vehicle around and walkers are likely. In distance terms about two thirds of the route is very easy but south of marker 36 there are some more serious climbs and descents. Going anti-clockwise you briefly get a glimpse of the crags of Millfore Hill then run into a fast descent with a number of bends. After this there's another brief climb and an open area before you cannon down to Black Loch - watch out for the U bend half way down!

Two link routes are shown on the map, the northern one leading to Glen Trool via Loch Dee and the southern leading to Kirroughtree Forest via Old Edinburgh Road. There are currently mountain bike routes in both of these places (see other routes) and further developments are planned. The route to Glen Trool from Clatteringshaws is part of National Cycle Network route 7, which runs between Glasgow and Carlisle.

Several quite technically difficult mountain bike routes are currently under development to the south of Loch Trool and these should be open around 2004. At the time of writing these were still in the planning stage.

Features:

• Circular Route
• Half Day Ride
• Route By Loch
• Route To Link Up With Others
• Route With Place To Visit
• Route With Tea Room

Additional Features:

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