Devilla Forest Four Lochs Walk
Fife
Devilla Forest is a Forestry and Land Scotland woodland of Scots pine on the north side of the A985, about 2.5 miles east of Kincardine in west Fife. Dogs can enjoy off-lead freedom here, though close control matters near the squirrels and otters and at the Keir Dam outflow. Its pines are good habitat for red squirrels, its four lochs are home to otters and dragonflies, and the British Dragonfly Society has named it a dragonfly hotspot. This 9km route begins on the short waymarked Red Squirrel Trail to Bordie Loch, the smallest of the four and fringed by pines, passing the Pulpit Stone. It then follows forest tracks under the pylons to the reedy Moor Loch, where a rustic bench looks across the water, continues along the southern shore of Peppermill Dam, the largest loch, and finishes with a short, rough detour to Keir Dam before heading back to the car park. There are only 64 metres of climbing on forest tracks and woodland paths, with muddy patches on the informal paths.
This is a dog friendly walk with plenty of off-lead potential on the forest tracks, where there is no livestock and little traffic. The lochs give water all the way round, but keep an eye on your dog near Keir Dam, where you cross the loch outflow, and remember that red squirrels are the forest's stars, so a dog that chases is best kept close on the Red Squirrel Trail. The pines give good shade. Parking is free, and the nearest public toilets are in Culross.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.0 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Forest, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- No facilities on site; nearest public toilets in Culross; shops and pubs in Kincardine.
- Parking
- Free FLS Devilla car park on the north side of the A985, 2.5 miles east of Kincardine.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Devilla Forest Four Lochs Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Greenbank Farm Cottage
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £572 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in FifeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Devilla Forest Four Lochs Walk dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. It is a long, level forest walk with four lochs for drinking and paddling, no livestock and free parking. The main caveat is the wildlife: red squirrels and otters live here, so dogs that chase need close control, and the crossing of the loch outflow at Keir Dam needs care.
Can dogs be off lead at Devilla Forest Four Lochs Walk?
Yes, there is plenty of off-lead potential on the forest tracks and woodland paths, as there is no grazing stock and little traffic away from the A985. Keep a keen chaser close on the Red Squirrel Trail near the start, where you are most likely to see squirrels, and use a lead in the car park beside the main road.
What should I know before visiting Devilla Forest Four Lochs Walk with my dog?
The route follows forest tracks for most of its length, but the informal paths to Keir Dam and beside Bordie Loch can be muddy, and you need to cross the Keir Dam outflow carefully. There are no toilets on site; the nearest are in Culross. Parking is free in the Forestry and Land Scotland car park on the north side of the A985.
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