Dundeugh Forest & Hill

A circular forest walk, 6km/4 miles long. Allow 2 hours to complete. Hard surface tracks, stout shoes or boots.

Please note, this walk may occasionally be unavailable due to military operations taking place on the ground and in the air.

PARKING just off the A713 between Dalry and Carsphairn, a large Forestry Commission sign for Polmaddy settlement sits at the entrance to the track into Dundeugh Forest. Follow the rough track over a bridge to a parking bay just before the gate. Please take care not to block the track. Nearby, on the opposite side of the A713, a track leads to Polmaddy settlement where a short, waymarked trail leads through the old farming village.

START: From the parking bay, go through the gate, turn left and follow the track to a junction. Turn right and follow the track, ignoring any off to the left or right, until you return to the car park.

Dundeugh forest is encircled by water and marks the point where the Water of Deugh meets the Water of Ken. Kendoon power station, at the head of Carsfad Loch is the first evidence of the Galloway Hydro-Electric Scheme. The track follows Glenhoul Glen to reach Kendoon Loch, also part of the Hydro-Electric scheme and formed by damming the Water of Ken.

Follow the track through woodland beside Kendoon Lock, where birch, oak and Scots pine provide a contrast to the surrounding conifers. This part of the forest is very open and there are excellent views over the loch to Cairnsmore of Carsphairn and Beninner. You can also see the Glenkens fish farm, situated at the head of the loch.

There is the option to climb to the top of the hill.

As you leave the loch, head into the woods to join the Water of Deugh. Slow moving and rocky, its treelined banks provide food and shelter for a host of small birds. Follow it downstream to return to the start of the walk.