Kayaking

Loch Doon and the surround areas provide great scope for canoeing and kayaking.

Loch Doon is 8 miles long, and 3-4 miles at its widest point, making it the largest inland loch in Southern Scotland. It is surrounded by rugged mountains and unspoilt landscape of the Galloway Forest.

Take the right turn two miles south of Dalmellington to Loch Doon which provides excellent flat water, and many launching and landing points. Perhaps the best of these is by the Tea shop at the dam, but be sure to keep away from the Dam itself.

Ness Glen. For the experienced canoeist, the work to open the walking route along the Ness Glen has offered an additional bonus. Ness Glen provides challenging white water suitable for the kayaker with extensive whitewater knowledge, and who is comfortable on grade 3+ "creek" style rivers. As this river is fed from Loch Doon, it provides consistent water 365 days of the year.

Put in / Take out: Put in on either side of the dam. A track leads down to the Ness Glen from here. For the take out, head back down the road and take the first track on the left (Craigengillan estate). Park half way down this track on a concrete base on the right.

Length, Time: 1.5 km, 2 hours.

For a full description of the run, see the UK Rivers Guide Book description here.

MAP: