Southern Uplands
On the 25th September 2020, myself, my mate and my helper went down to Glentrool to explore another part of Galloway Forest. The drive down took 1 hour 15 minutes from where I live and coming from Glasgow 1 hour 40 minutes. The roads down to Glentrool are not as windy as the roads down to Kirroughtree. However, there are a few steep corners which can be dangerous in bad weather.
Glentrool is in the heart of Galloway Forest with hills and interesting history and of course wildlife. Galloway Forest has a historic connection on Robert the Bruce who took refuge 700 years ago during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Two sites within the forest has Bruce’s Stone one of them is placed near Loch Trool in Glentrool.
There are 4 walking trails to choose from; Two Waters Trail, Water of Trool Trail, Loch Trool Loop and Goldcrest Trail, some of the trails are connected to each other. When we arrived at Glentrool we walked along the path through the woodland past the Visitor Centre to see the waterfall and streams as well as wild mushrooms. Parts of the path is smooth and bits of it are gravely as well as muddy. However, we discovered there is a dead end for wheelchair users which meant it was not suitable to continue further on the path because the ground is uneven and mushy. We headed back to the car to have lunch and looked at the map.
The Visitor Assistance at the Visitor Centre recommended me to go on the Goldcrest Trail because it is one of the flattest trails within that area for the wheelchair also it is one of the shortest trails. The Goldcrest Trail is gravely and bumpy with lots of stones in the way as well as a few steep ramps. I had to keep in the middle of the path because the grass at the sides had lots of large rocks and holes, my mate and helper tripped up a couple of times on them throughout the walk. Some wheelchair users and people with other mobility requirements may find this trail difficult at times and will require assistance along the way to prevent you getting stuck in a hole and help getting over the rocks.
Accessibility and Facilities
Glentrool Visitor Centre – Visitors are not allowed in the Visitor Centre due to the Coronavirus everything is closed off. However, you can still purchase hot and cold beverage and snacks. Visitors can ask a Visitor assistant questions about Glentrool through a safety screen.
Accessible Toilet – “Sharing is caring.” There is only one toilet at the Visitor Centre which is available for everyone to use. The toilet is spacious with plenty of room to manoeuvre in which good for wheelchair users and people with mobility requirements. Everything was within reach such as toilet, handrails and sink. However, I struggled to reach the soap and the hand paper towels because they are too high and far away from the sink.
Disabled Parking – There is plenty of parking spaces at Glentrool Visitor Centre. However, they do have designated disabled parking spaces. We managed to park in a large space, it is free for blue badge holders. There is also a parking meter at the premise with various charging fees. Tourist or visitors who are traveling around in a motor home can pitch their vehicle at a reasonable price.
Parking Fees
£1 for up to 1 hour
£2 for up to 3 hours
£3 for full day
£12 for minibus and coach all day
£12 for fortnightly pass
If you enjoyed reading this blog and would like to read more about my adventures through Galloway Forest, click on the link to Kirroughtree.
richietravel.com 