Ness Glen, near Loch Doon

Below the Loch Doon dam the River Doon has carved a route through a beautiful wooded gorge. The Ness Glen was once a renowned showplace and still has 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.

Terrain

Woodland footpaths, rough underfoot in places.

Public Transport

None to start; the route can be reached by following tracks from Dalmellington.

Start

Parking just beyond the Osprey Roundhouse cafe takeway on Loch Doon. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park just beyond the Osprey Roundhouse Cafe takeaway at the foot of Loch Doon; the parking area at the takeaway is for customers but there is more parking beyond. Begin the walk by returning along the road past the cafe, then taking the path on the left that descends alongside the road, soon signed for Ness Glen. The path leads through a kissing gate to enter the woods below the Doon dam. Keep right at a fork to follow the path close by the river. When the path reaches a footbridge do not cross, instead remaining on the left bank and continuing downstream.

Stage 2

Although the water levels in the river have been controlled since the dam was built for hydro power in 1933, a good flow is usually maintained. The river - and path - slowly descend into the Ness Glen gorge, which became a renowned showplace in Victorian times.

Stage 3

The path is ingeniously constructed to provide a route through the floor of the ravine, carved through granite and with cliffs upto 30m high in places. Care is needed as the path is rocky and can be slippery, and is right by the water much of the time. There are a few sections of constructed path along boardwalks.

Stage 4

Eventually the sides begin to relent once more and the glen becomes more sedate. Pass under a suspension footbridge (which is currently closed); the route back takes the path that leads back uphill above the bridge (on this side of the ravine) - to reach it you can either cut up beneath the bridge, or continue ahead until a gate and then turn sharply left to double back to the same spot. The path now heads uphill through the fine native woodland.

Stage 5

There are some good views as the path climbs, though it mostly runs through the trees with the gorge below out of sight. Keep left at a grassy fork to follow the main path, eventually crossing a couple of bridges before it rejoins the outward route below the dam. From here it is just a short walk back to the start.

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