Lochmaben is fortunate to be ringed by three attractive lochs; the largest, Castle Loch, and the smaller Kirk and Mill Lochs, the latter two visited on this attractive circuit.
Bog Factor
Mostly good paths, tracks and minor roads. Final section of track and path can be very muddy; livestock present.
Lochmaben.
Bus to Lochmaben.
NY080827
Park in the signed car park between Castle Street and Princes Street off to the north side of the A709 through Lochmaben. Begin the walk by leaving the car park on the exit side and turning left along Croft Terrace. At the T junction with the main road, turn right, passing the Crown Inn, then turning left after 30m onto an narrow tarred lane enclosed between an old two storey house and a single story one decorated with columns. This leads to the caravan site, with views over the Kirk Loch on the right.
Continue along the road ahead, keeping straight on at a junction to continue past houses up a lane with a dead-end sign. Just before reaching Castle Hill farm turn right through a small gate, with a public footpath sign. Follow the path between a wall and fence, with views over the golf course on the right at first. Cross a footbridge and continue ahead; keep straight on ahead at the tarred path onto a grassy one, heading between the tees and greens on the golf course - take care to give way to any golfers playing shots.
After this brief open stretch keep straight ahead onto a path heading through the trees. This soon passes alongside a high cemetery wall and then reaches a minor road. Turn right along the road; when it reaches a t-junction turn right again. The road passes houses and has a last view of Kirk Loch over to the right as it reaches the main A709 road. Cross this and turn left along the pavement on the far side.
Continue along the pavement, passing the hospital and then another turning on the right. Keep ahead until a minor road turns off to the right, signed for Watchhill and Shieldhill. Turn right along this road, then fork right after a first house onto a tarmac lane. When this ends by a house continue ahead through a gate onto a grassy lane lined with trees. This stretch can be muddy underfoot.
Keep straight ahead along the grassy track at various junctions until a t-junction is reached with another track. Turn right here, soon passing to the left of a house; keep straight ahead at a junction to pass to the right of a row of cottages. After the last cottage go through the kissing gate and continue straight ahead through the field, keeping just to the right of a line of gorse/broom. The field is liable to be churned up badly by cattle. Continue ahead to the reeds by the north end of the Mill Loch, then turn right to head around the south side of the loch.
Pass through two more kissing gates in an area liable to be a quagmire in winter. Continue beside the loch until passing a bench and some children's play equipment in a small park-like area. Turn right onto the road beyond. Fork right at the fountain to return to the car park.
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