An astonishingly beautiful short walk through a deep wooded glen following the River Doon as it begins it’s journey between Loch Doon and the Firth of Clyde at Doonfoot, Ayr. Expect waterfalls a-plenty! Form a loop by returning to the start via the hill path. The footpaths are uneven and narrow in places and you can expect boggy conditions on the high path. Be sure to take a camera as there are MANY photo opportunities!
Description
(S/E) Start the walk from the Roundhouse Cafe, Loch Doon (KA6 7QE).
(1) Head North-West towards the dam and before crossing the bridge, go down a set of steps on your left-hand side. Turn right at the bottom of the steps and keep right at a fork to follow the footpath through the glen with the river on your right.
(2) Approx 300 m along there is a small footbridge on your right - do not cross, continue ahead.
(3) After 1.3 km you will reach a large (closed) footbridge over the river. Walk beneath the bridge then turn left (West) to pick up a footpath heading uphill (North).
Follow this path through woodland for 1.5 km. After a steep downhhill section, the path arrives back at the fork beneath the dam. Go up the steps and turn right on the road to return to the Roundhouse Cafe (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 220 m - Roundhouse Cafe, Loch Doon (KA6 7QE)
- 1 : km 0.09 - alt. 217 m - Steps
- 2 : km 0.42 - alt. 217 m - Small footbridge
- 3 : km 1.47 - alt. 184 m - Large (closed) footbridge
- S/E : km 3.04 - alt. 219 m - Roundhouse Cafe, Loch Doon (KA6 7QE)
Useful Information
Transport
Arrival by car only. Limited parking next to the Roundhouse Cafe, Loch Doon. Please do not block passing places along the access road. Ness Glen is well signposted from the A77 around Ayr.
Terrain
The paths through the glen are very uneven and narrow in places, with close proximity to a fast-flowing river. You may want to take this into consideration if taking young children or dogs. Underfoot conditions can be boggy at times. Sturdy, waterproof footwear recommended.
Click here for more information and a walk review
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
- Waterfalls
- River with rapids
- Reservoir
- Loch Doon - the largest inland loch in southern Scotland
- Roundhouse cafe - takeaway only, no public toilets. Opening times vary according to the season - see their Facebook page for accurate info
- Ospreys - there is a nesting site close to the Roundhouse cafe
Reviews and comments
Clarity of route description
5 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Walk interest
5 / 5
Date of walk : 26/06/23
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very clear and precise instructions
