20 Attractions to Explore Near Loch Doon

Loch Doon Castle was probably built in the late 1200s by an earl of Carrick – either Robert the Bruce or his father, also called Robert. This was constructed from fine ashlar and was polygonal with eleven uneven sides, its shape being dictated by the terrain of the island. Entrance into the castle was via an arched gateway protected by two heavy timber doors and a portcullis. There was also a small postern gate. The castle was dismantled and rebuilt on the side of the loch after the loch water l

The Ness Glen has a history of being a renowned beauty spot, set off by a spectacular path that runs through it right down alongside the river. From the bottom of the gorge another path returns to the start through the woods at a higher level. The gorge path is meticulously maintained by volunteers. Small bridges, seating areas and resting spots have been have added over the years, which tempers the occasional steepness of the climb.

This picturesque waterfall lies off of a minor road near Doon Bridge, around a mile west of Dalmellington. It is a popular spot for both walkers and photographers; during cold weather it can freeze over completely, resulting in a breathtaking scene. Parking is available in Cathcartston where signs for the trail that lead to the waterfall are located.

Loch Macaterick is a loch in East Ayrshire, Scotland within Galloway Forest Park and Merrick Kells SSSI. The loch is situated to the north of Macaterick, to the west of Craigfionn and to the southeast of Loch Riecawr. Loch Macaterick from Craigfionn A boardwalk through a forested area used to lead to the loch from a nearby track but it was removed during forestry works. The loch area has suffered limited heather beetle impacts.

The Galloway Forest Park is Britain’s largest forest park, which was established in 1947. It is often referred to as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’ and attracts around 800,000 thousand visitors each year. Home to dramatic ancient woodland, magnificent scenery and an astonishing range of local wildlife, the park is perfect for the whole family.

Corserine is a hill in the Rhinns of Kells, a sub-range of the Galloway Hills range, part of the Southern Uplands of Scotland. The highest point of the range and the second highest point in Galloway, the usual route of ascent is from the car park at Forrest Lodge to the east of the hill via Loch Harrow and North Gairy Top. Forest Lodge is a short drive from the village of St. John's Town of Dalry.

The Stinchar Bridge, and large Car Park, just in to the left here, are situated 7 miles south of the scenic village of Straiton, next to the B741 road, as seen below. That is the start of the Cornish Hill trail leading into the forest at the T sign.

Shalloch-on-Minnoch is the highest mountain in Ayrshire at 2,520 ft, situated about 26 miles southeast of Ayr next to Loch Riecawr and close to Loch Doon. There are two ways to this mountain, from the Straiton road or Dalmellington road via Loch Doon. a good trekking destination and also you can spend some good time here by enjoying its beauty.

Mullwharchar is a hill in the Dungeon Hills, a sub-range of the Galloway Hills range, part of the Southern Uplands of Scotland. There are 3 cliffs on the mountain named The Slock, The Tauchers and The Organ Pipes and some routes on these are occasionally climbed. Mullwharchar's summit is fairly flat and dotted with erratics. Quiet risky trekking location and also it offers nice views from the top.

Stinchar Falls is a waterfall of Scotland. It is located on the Stinchar Burn, east of Barr in Ayrshire. A quiet beautiful location where you can spend some beautiful time and also you can have some adventures too.

Conquer the unique and historically significant industrial steam and diesel locomotives are restored and can be seen working in an authentic setting. The centre owns a number of standard gauge steam locomotives and diesel locomotives as well as some narrow gauge items and an extensive collection of photographs.

Loch Enoch is a multi-basin freshwater loch in Galloway, to the east of Merrick and south of Mullwharchar. The loch is situated in a granite basin and has several small islands and some beaches on its shore. The vegetation in the loch’s basin is mainly purple moor grass and heather.The loch's outflow supplies Loch Doon and the River Doon, both in Ayrshire.

The Merrick is the highest hill in Southern Scotland. A popular ascent from Glen Trool, it presides high over a wild landscape, thankfully well away from the extensive forestry plantations. An interesting feature on the mountain is the presence of several large partly buried granite boulders at about 800 m on the broad west ridge.

Galloway Forest Park is often referred to as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’ and attracts around 800,000 thousand visitors each year. Home to dramatic ancient woodland, magnificent scenery and an astonishing range of local wildlife, the park is perfect for the whole family. Whether walking, cycling, fishing, driving through the woods or just relaxing in the tearooms, the Galloway Forest Park has something for everyone.

Blackcraig Hill is a popular walk as it is one of the highest hills in Ayrshire at 2,296 feet above sea level, if not the highest. It lies southeast of the town of New Cumnock in Ayrshire. A craggy hill, it is usually climbed from its western side starting at Glen Afton. A nceit trekking destination and also you can spend some time with its beautiful views.

Bruce’s Stone is a large granite boulder commemorating King Robert’s victory over the English. It sits at the top of the hill on the north side of Loch Trool. It also serves as a starting spot for the challenging walk up Merrick (2764 feet), the highest mountain in southern Scotland

Loch Trool is a narrow, freshwater loch that is surrounded by stunning scenery due to its elevated position in Glentrool, in the Galloway Forest Park. The loch is the source of the Water of Trool which flows to the Water of Minnoch and the River Cree. There is a walking trail and footpath around the loch's perimeter.

Auchincloigh Castle is a ruined fortification near the Burnton Burn, lying within the feudal lands of the Craufurd Clan, situated in the Parish of Ochiltree, East Ayrshire, Scotland. The monument consists of the remains of a medieval tower house situated 100m E of Auchencloigh Farm.The fragmentary remains consist of several massive sections of lime- bonded whinstone rubble walling. The building appears to have been rectangular and of considerable strength

Belston Loch, also recorded as Dromsmodda Loch is a small freshwater loch in the East Ayrshire Council Area, near Sinclairston, 2 miles south-east of Drongan, lying in a glacial Kettle Hole. Parish of Ochiltree, Scotland. The area has seen extensive coal mining activity with an open cast mine and collieries at Drumsmodden, Polquhairn, Old Polquhairn, Auchlin, etc.

The Water of Girvan is a beautiful river in South Ayrshire, which has its source at Loch Girvan Eye in the Carrick Forest section of Galloway Forest Park. This 28-mile river passes through the villages of Straiton, Kirkmichael and Dailly en route to the Firth of Clyde at Girvan Harbour.