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This walk can be accessed from the A713 just a mile after Dalmellington on the road to Castle Douglas.
Turn right at the brown tourist sign indicating Ness Glen and Loch Doon. There is a car park here but continue on this single track road for 2 miles until at the bottom you see Loch Doon and cross the concrete structure of the dam passing the Roundhouse Café. You should easily be able to find a parking space here, parallel to the road.
To start the walk... pass the Roundhouse Café and to the left below the concrete dam wall there is a path leading to a kissing gate. This can be a circular walk. Through the gate you will find the narrow path quickly splits into two. I would always take the upper path, first, in order to get the best views of the rushing, tumultuous waters on the return journey. This path takes you through a SSSI woodland with Scots pines and larches etc. At a high point look out for Craigengillan Fort on your left and a castle briefly in the distance.
The path eventually descends to the River Doon to a large, recently repaired wooden bridge over the river ,
You must continue left a little , beyond the bridge, before turning, sharp right, under it to return
along the river bank.
The path is in good order with many little bridges over the trickier parts. The planks can get slippery so take care!!!
The rushing water over the numerous rapids is impressive and really memorable. It's quite unlike anything I have seen before -very dramatic.
We had tea and cake at a picnic bench at the excellent Roundhouse Café on our return and admired the loch and mountain views