This circuit of Castle Loch to the south of Lochmaben takes in a wooded sculpture trail on the west side of the loch, which would be popular with children, before exploring Lochmaben Castle. The return is along a new section of path close by the A709.
Mostly good paths, tracks and minor roads.
Bus to Lochmaben.
Lochmaben.
Park in the car park on the northeast side of the loch on the A709 road. Begin the anti-clockwise circuit of the loch by taking the path with the railing on the right side, sloping down into the trees. Keep on the main path which runs parallel to the busy road for a time before joining the pavement. As the edge of Lochmaben is reached turn left to follow the tarred lane down to the boating club on the shores of the loch. Follow the gravel track past the club and then - when a grassy park is reached - turn left at a signpost. A grassy strip leads into a gap between trees, emerging on a track. Turn right briefly on this, then left onto a path into the woods.
The woodland path leads into the Castle Loch nature reserve. Between here and the castle are a number of wooden sculptures based on the wildlife found here. The path meanders through the woods, a boardwalk to the left provides a view of the loch which is popular with sailors and anglers as well as bird watchers.
Continuing on the woodland path, ignore a 'classroom' turning on the left. When a footbridge is reached the route continues across it - but first you can detour to the loch shores where the remains of an artificial island, or crannog, dating from the iron-age, can be seen out in the water. After crossing the bridge continue through the trees, passing a woodpecker sculpture. At a signed junction turn left, crossing an open section of path and then a boardwalk to reach a track.
Turn left along the track. Keep straight ahead at a junction where theAnnandale Way track heads off to the right to re-enter the nature reserve. Detour to the left to view a carving of Bruce on a tree before returning to the main path and continuing ahead to the castle.
The castle sits on a peninsula sticking out into the loch and was orginally built by the English, although it changed hands many times during the Wars of Independence. In 1385 the first stone structure was built and its turbulent history continued until it was abandoned sometime in the 17th century.
From the castle retrace the last few steps and take the path on the left signed for the bird hide. Follow a boardwalk over the edge of the loch to a junction - detour to the left here to visit the bird hide. Return to the junction and then after crossing a bridge the path heads away from the water.
Turn left at a metal kissing gate and follow a good path with a fence and hedge on your right. Keep left at the woods, following the path until it reaches a track with a gate on the right. Turn left here away from the gate onto a path that crosses a footbridge. This leads through the trees, eventually leading back to the car park at the start.
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