Marks the site of Bruce's March 1307 guerrilla victory over an English force at Loch Trool — luring c.1,500 English troops along the steep loch-side path and ambushing them with rolled boulders and a volley from higher ground, Bruce's first successful action after his family's capture and the depths of his 1306 defeat.
Why this place matters
Marks the site of Bruce's March 1307 guerrilla victory over an English force at Loch Trool — luring c.1,500 English troops along the steep loch-side path and ambushing them with rolled boulders and a volley from higher ground, Bruce's first successful action after his family's capture and the depths of his 1306 defeat.
The story on the ground
Bruce’s Stone overlooks the landscape of Robert the Bruce’s victory at Glen Trool in 1307, when his smaller force ambushed English troops along the steep lochside route. The granite monument was erected in 1929: it commemorates the battle landscape rather than marking a surviving medieval feature.
What the evidence supports
The battle itself is historical, but the granite boulder marked 'Bruce's Stone' was erected only in 1929, for the 600th anniversary of Bruce's death — a 20th-century memorial overlooking the likely battle area, not a contemporary marker.
Before you go
- Follow Forestry and Land Scotland signs north of Glentrool village, then drive about 4 miles to the free Bruce's Stone car park beside the monument.
- None
- Forest park roads normally open year-round; verify seasonal road/gate closures directly with Forestry and Land Scotland before a specific trip.
- Bruce's Stone car park, Loch Trool, Glentrool — nearest useful postcode DG8 6SU
- The monument is beside a free Forestry and Land Scotland car park, but the road into Glen Trool is narrow and remote. Toilets and café facilities are about 3 miles away; check forest-road notices before travelling.