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Craiglea Trail and Loch Doon Castle

The Craiglea Trail begins from the ruins of Loch Doon castle on the shores of the loch, climbing above the north side to give some excellent views over the water.

Terrain

Path but can be overgrown in places.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Parking at Loch Doon castle ruins. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.5km / 2.25 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 97m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NX483949

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the ruins of Castle Doon; if there's no space there is a large parking area on the other side of the road. The castle dates back to the 14th century and originally stood on an island in the loch. In the 1930s, when Loch Doon was dammed and the water level raised for hydro power, the castle was moved stone-by-stone to its present site. You can enter the ruins at the rear.

Stage 2

The start of the Craiglea Trail is signed from the road just west of the castle. The grassy path heads uphill, passing a couple of seats with good views back over the loch, set amidst some old shielings. Continue up the path, going straight across at a forestry track.

Stage 3

The most obvious worn path continues up towards the Wee Hill of Craigmulloch. You need to look out very carefully for where the Craiglea Trail turns left off this path to contour the slope - it's a short distance before a wooden post. Once you've found the path, it is fairly easy to follow as it leads across the sloppe and over a wooden footbridge. It then descends on the far side of the burn before heading into the trees.

Stage 4

The path - overgrown in places - leads through a mix of forest and open sections. Follow it as it crosses another two footbridges. Eventually a fork is reached; the main path ahead leads to a fine viewpoint with a bench overlooking the loch. After visiting this, return to the fork and follow the path down to the Forest Drive road just above the loch shores.

Stage 5

Here turn left along the road nearest the loch shores - ignoring the forest track that immediately forks off left uphill. The road / forest drive leads back, passing a house, to reach Loch Doon castle and the start.

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Travel and Coronavirus

Craiglea Trail and Loch Doon Castle

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Maps, App and GPS

Get route in Viewranger - the
Walkhighlands app for offline use

WANT TO SPONSOR THIS ROUTE?

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Enjoyed this walk route or find Walkhighlands useful?

Route Profile

Travel and Coronavirus

Craiglea Trail and Loch Doon Castle

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Maps, App and GPS

Get route in Viewranger - theWalkhighlands app for offline use

WANT TO SPONSOR THIS ROUTE?

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Enjoyed this walk route or find Walkhighlands useful?

Route Profile

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Get route in Viewranger - the
Walkhighlands app for offline use