Castle Loch, Lochmaben
Castle Loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and contains a mixture of habitats including willow and alder carr, oak woodland and grazed marshland. The site is part of a more complex system of small lochs in the area, made up of Hightae Loch, Mill Loch and Kirk Loch, Upper Loch and Blind Lochs.
- Notable species: goosander, wigeon, tufted duck, great crested grebe, goldeneye, bittern, willow tit and reed warbler. Occasional otter sightings. Species seen will depend on the time of year.
Best In: At all times of the year.
Location
Adjacent to the southeast part of Lochmaben town.
Grid Reference: N08/81
How to get there
By car: follow the A709 from Dumfries to Lockerbie until you reach Lochmaben. Various parking areas around the loch.
By bus service: 381/81 Dumfries to Lockerbie.
Facilities
- There is a footpath running around the loch, some places can be wet and muddy at times, offering views of most habitats, with wooden sculptures and interpretation boards at regular intervals.
- One small bird-watching hide (without wheelchair access) at the end of a short boardwalk, accessible from a small car park beside the ruins of Lochmaben Castle at the southern end of the loch.
- There is a downloadable walking leaflet available on this site that covers the Lochmaben area.
- There are various picnic areas around the loch, one of which is beside the A709 on the east side of the loch, which has a disabled fishing pier.
Contact
Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service
Email: rangers@dumgal.gov.uk
Website: http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1987
