Dundeugh Forest and Kendoon Loch
Dumfries and Galloway
Dundeugh Forest lies in the upper Glenkens beside the A713 between St John's Town of Dalry and Carsphairn, where the lochs are part of the Galloway Hydro-Electric Scheme. Dogs get good off-lead freedom on these forest tracks, though they should be kept well away from the dams and outflows of the hydro-electric loch and power station. This circuit, described by Scotland Starts Here, starts at the parking bay by the Forestry sign for the Polmaddy settlement, goes through a gate and follows forest tracks through Glenhoul Glen to the shore of Kendoon Loch, near the Kendoon power station. It then heads downstream beside the Water of Deugh through mixed woodland of birch, oak, Scots pine and conifers, with views towards Cairnsmore of Carsphairn and Beninner, and loops back to the start. The walk is about 7km with 150 metres of ascent on hard-surfaced and rough forest tracks, and takes around two hours.
This is a dog friendly forest walk with lots of water and lots of room. On the forest tracks a dog with good recall can have plenty of freedom, as the route stays mostly in woodland, and Kendoon Loch and the Water of Deugh give chances for a drink and a paddle at quiet spots. Take care at the loch edge and near the hydro works, where water levels can change, and keep your dog under control near forestry operations. There are no facilities at the parking bay; the nearest villages are Carsphairn and St John's Town of Dalry.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.0 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Forest, Lake, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- None on route; nearest village facilities in Carsphairn and St John's Town of Dalry.
- Parking
- Roadside parking bay off the A713 at the Forestry sign for Polmaddy settlement.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Dundeugh Forest and Kendoon Loch, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Nook - Dumfries And Galloway
Sleeps 2 · 3 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £298 / 7 nights
Loch Carlingwark Lodge 2
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £801 / 7 nights
Farmhouse Holidays - Muirston Farmhouse
Sleeps 8 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,042 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in Dumfries and GallowayFrequently Asked Questions
Is Dundeugh Forest and Kendoon Loch dog friendly?
Dundeugh Forest and Kendoon Loch is a great choice for dog owners, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The forest tracks give dogs plenty of room to roam, and both Kendoon Loch and the Water of Deugh offer spots to drink and paddle along the way.
Can dogs be off lead at Dundeugh Forest and Kendoon Loch?
Dogs with good recall can enjoy plenty of off-lead freedom on the forest tracks, as the route stays mostly within woodland away from roads. Do keep them on the lead near the hydro-electric works and loch edge, where water levels can change unexpectedly, and also close to any active forestry operations.
What should I know before visiting Dundeugh Forest and Kendoon Loch with my dog?
The circuit is around 7km with 150 metres of ascent on hard-surfaced and rough forest tracks, taking roughly two hours — a good half-day outing. There are no facilities at the roadside parking bay off the A713, so bring everything you need; the nearest villages with amenities are Carsphairn and St John's Town of Dalry. Keep a particular eye on your dog near the Kendoon power station and dam outflows, where the water can be unpredictable.
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