20 Attractions to Explore Near Stinchar Falls

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.

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.

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.

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

Dalquharran Castle is a category A listed building in South Ayrshire, Scotland, designed by Robert Adam and completed around 1790. The first recorded lord of the property which already included a castle, was Gilbert Kennedy, as stated in a 1474 Charter for the nearby Crossraguel Abbey; the estate was later owned by the Kennedy family for centuries.

Dalquharran Castle consists of a ruined 15th-century tower, with a round tower at one corner. It was extended to form an L-plan, and rises to three storeys and a garret within the corbelled-out crenellated parapet. The castle was extended and altered in the late 17th century, and was surrounded by gardens and landscaped grounds. The basement is vaulted.

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.

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.

A beautiful fresh water loch in Carrick, Scotland. The River Doon issues from its northern end, while the loch itself receives waters from Gala Lane and Loch Enoch via Eglin Lane. The loch was dammed in the 1930s, raising the water some 27 feet to provide seasonal storage for the Galloway hydro-electric power scheme. As a reservoir, Loch Doon has an effective capacity of over 82 million cubic metres. It offers so many leisre activates and also you can spend some nice time with your family too.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Baltersan Castle is a ruined L-plan tower house located near Maybole, South Ayrshire, Scotland. It was originally graded as a Category B listed building in 1971, but this was upgraded to Category A in 1995. It is currently for sale and is listed as at moderate risk by the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland.

Maybole Castle, a former seat of the Earls of Cassillis, dates to 1560 and still remains, although aspects of the castle are viewed as "of concern". The Castle is the oldest inhabited house in the town having been built about the middle of the sixteenth century. It was built in the style of a typical Scottish castle, with square tower and round turrets, and strong enough to protect its occupants from unfriendly neighbours, of whom there were many at that time.

Crossraguel Abbey is one of the best preserved, most varied and most interesting of the many abbey ruins that are dotted across Scotland. Despite being a place of worship, this Cluniac monastery saw its fair share of conflict. The monks’ loyalty to Robert the Bruce eventually saw Crossraguel severely damaged in the Wars of Independence.

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.

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.