GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Lochmaben Loch Walk

3 miles (5 km)

This walk visits Castle Loch in the small town of Lochmaben in Dumfries and Galloway.
You can follow a circular trail around the pretty loch for a distance of about 3 miles. At the southern end of the loch there's also the remains of the 12th century Lochmaben Castle. Here you'll find some photogenic castle ruins with imposing defensive walls and a moat.
There are a few car parks at the site where you can start your walk. The town is also home to Kirk Loch, Mill Loch and Upper Loch where you can extend your outing. On the western side of the loch the route passes along a section of the Annandale Way, a 90-kilometre (56 mi) hiking trail, which is officially designated by NatureScot as one of Scotland's Great Trails. The trail provides great views of the River Annan which flows through the area.

Postcode

DG11, UK - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Lochmaben OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Lochmaben Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Lochmaben

  • Loch Arthur - This walk visits the Loch Arthur Community in Beeswing, Dumfries
  • Mabie Forest - This expansive forest in Dumfries has miles of good walking paths and several mountain bike trails to try.
  • Daer Reservoir - This walk visits Daer Reservoir in the Lowther Hills of South Lanarkshire in the Southern Uplands of Scotland
  • Loch Ettrick - This walk visits the lovely Loch Ettrick near the village of Thornhill in Dumfries and Galloway.
  • Crichope Linn - This walk visits the Crichope Linn waterfall near Gatelawbridge in Dumfries and Galloway.
  • Drumlanrig Castle - The extensive grounds of this historic castle are a great place for outdoor enthusiasts
  • Ae Forest - This route explores the Ae Forest in Dumfries and Galloway.
  • Romans and Reivers Route - This long distance route follows the old Roman Roads from the Ae Forest to Hawick
  • Moffat - This walk visits the town of Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway.
  • Burnswark Hill - This walk climbs to the fine viewpoint at Burnswark Hill near Lockerbie in Dumfries and Galloway.
  • Hoddom Castle - This circular walk explores the area around Hoddom Castle near Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Galloway.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head north west and you can explore the expansive Ae Forest where there are lots of good footpaths and cycling trails to try. The long distance Romans and Reivers Route also starts in the forest. This 52 mile route follows the old Roman Roads to Hawick in the Scottish Borders. Following the trail north east will take you to Moffat where you can enjoy a riverside walk along the River Annan on the Annadale Way.
Head south along the Annandale Way and you could visit the historic Hoddom Castle near Ecclefechan. The 16th century tower house includes some nice woodland trails, pleasant riverside trails and the Coach House restaurant.
A few miles to the east there's the climb to Burnswark Hill to try. There's an Iron Age Hill Fort and some nice views over the area from this historically significant hill.

Photos

Castle Loch, Lochmaben - geograph.org.uk - 2131386

Castle Loch, Lochmaben

Jetty on Castle Loch, Lochmaben - geograph.org.uk - 2143733

Jetty on Castle Loch, Lochmaben

Bowling at Lochmaben - geograph.org.uk - 186902

Bowling at Lochmaben

Lochmaben Castle - geograph.org.uk - 947788

Lochmaben Castle

Footbridge by Castle Loch - geograph.org.uk - 115180

Footbridge by Castle Loch

The moat at Lochmaben Castle - geograph.org.uk - 775429

The moat at Lochmaben Castle

Mill Loch, Lochmaben - geograph.org.uk - 155197

Mill Loch, Lochmaben

Kirk Loch, Lochmaben - geograph.org.uk - 113806

Kirk Loch. One of the three lochs surrounding the town of Lochmaben, Kirk Loch is bordered on two sides by Lochmaben golf course. Boating and fishing are allowed on the loch, and 22lb pike are frequently caught there, along with bream, roach and eel.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Lochmaben.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')