Loch Ken
Loch Ken is part of the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme, built in the 1930’s. This hydro scheme was far ahead of it’s time because the waters is re used five times to generate hydro power. The loch’s water level was raised by the Glenlochar Barrage and this included the river Dee which widened when it became part of the water management process. The loch extends for approximately 10 miles. There are a wide range of habitats along the loch’s shore , open farm land, willow carr, deciduous oak woodland, marshes and commercial forestry. There are Ramsar, SPA and SSSI designations relating to Loch Ken and it’s environs.
The Ramsar designation is for the over wintering Greenland White Fronted Geese
Also frequenting the loch are Otters, Red Kites and Ospreys in the summer. The loch is noted for its course fishing with large pike and perch featuring, along with bream, roach, dace and ruffe. There some wild trout which can caught but are harder to find. Loch Ken has a large boating community.
Best In: Spring, Summer and Autumn but Winter can provide stunning landscapes. Magnificent sunsets. Wild life specials to look out for - goose and swans flights and red squirrels
Location
Found alongside the A713 Castle Douglas to Ayr road.
How to get there
By Car: from the south M6/M74 follow the A75 and turn on to the A713 for Ayr at Castle Douglas
- from the north travel to Ayr and find the A713 and drive through Dalmellington and St Johns Town of Dalry.
Loch Ken can be driven around using the A713 and A762 with some short sections of minor roads.
By Bus service: 520 from Castle Douglas stops in the villages on the east side of the Loch. return service
Facilities
- Various sites belonging to wild life organisations
- Loch Ken Holiday Park. Caravan’s, camping, boat and canoe hire
- Loch Ken Maria. Marina facilities’ with Slipway. Power boats, water skiing, Tuition , teaching and training with slalom course
- Galloway Activity Centre. Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, boat hire, corporate days, groups with training and tuition. Waterfront café. Camping.
- Crossmichael Marina. Boat sales, hire and slipway launching with fishing.
- Various car parks and forestry areas
- The public launch site beneath the Loch Ken viaduct half way up the loch, which was part of the ‘Paddy Line’ to and from Stranraer
Contact
For boat registration-
Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger
Andrew Blunsum, Sites & Biodiversity-Loch Ken
Mobile - 07730 427611
Email - andrew.blunsum@dumgal.gov.uk
Main Switch Board.- 030 3333 3000
