Around & About New Galloway, Loch Ken, Mossdale & Galloway Forest Park

Walking around Loch Ken, Mossdale, and the spectacular Galloway Forest Park offers a rich variety of routes for outdoor enthusiasts. From tranquil riverside paths to more challenging hill walks, this area of Dumfries and Galloway is a paradise for walkers. One of the most popular long-distance routes is the Southern Upland Way, which passes close to the area and offers scenic sections suitable for day walks. In Galloway Forest Park — the largest forest park in the UK — walkers can explore trails like the Carrick Forest Drive, Loch Trool Trail, or ascend Merrick, the highest hill in southern Scotland. Gentle river walks along the Dee and Ken rivers are perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying peaceful woodland surroundings.

The region is steeped in history too. Visit the ruins of Threave Castle on an island in the River Dee or explore the landscaped grounds of Kenmure Castle near New Galloway. Mossdale's location near the former Portpatrick and Wigtownshire Joint Railway also hints at the area's railway heritage, with remnants still visible along old routes. Though inland, the coast isn’t far — head west to Fleet Bay for striking estuarine landscapes. Learn more from the Galloway Forest Park page. This area is not just a haven for walkers, but also a designated Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal place to end a hike under starlit skies.