Lochmaben Castle and Castle Loch Circular
Dumfries and Galloway
Castle Loch sits on the edge of Lochmaben in Annandale, a loch protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and owned and cared for by a local community trust. Dogs are welcome on a lead, kept clear of the reedbeds where waterfowl nest. On a peninsula on its southern shore stand the ruins of Lochmaben Castle, a 14th century stronghold with a Robert the Bruce Trail board beside it. This clockwise circuit is about 5km with only around 10 metres of climbing, so it is almost entirely level. The route mixes lochside paths, boardwalks across the wetter ground, the trees of Castle Wood and short stretches of quiet road, with short detours to wildlife hides and viewpoints. Mute swans, grebes and willow tits are among the birds, and a heron sculpture stands on the western shore.
This is a gentle dog friendly walk that suits older dogs and short legs, with water close by for most of the way. Dogs with good recall can have some freedom in Castle Wood and on the quieter lochside paths, but the loch is a protected wildlife site, so keep dogs out of the reedbeds and away from nesting waterfowl, particularly in spring. The circuit uses short sections of minor road and passes the edge of a golf course, so a lead is needed there. The woodland gives some shade. Parking is free in the car park on the A709 just south east of the village, and Lochmaben has shops for supplies after the walk. There are no toilets on the route.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Lake, Historic, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- None on route; shops in Lochmaben village.
- Parking
- Free car park on the A709 just south east of Lochmaben; smaller car parks near Lochmaben Castle.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Lochmaben Castle and Castle Loch Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Keepers Cottage - Hoddom
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £543 / 7 nights
Crofthead Steading
Sleeps 8 · 3 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £878 / 7 nights
Loch Cottage - Colvend
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £750 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in Dumfries and GallowayFrequently Asked Questions
Is Lochmaben Castle and Castle Loch Circular dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk, which earns a 7/10 for dog friendliness. The almost entirely level 5km circuit suits dogs of all ages and sizes, with water close by for most of the route. Just bear in mind that Castle Loch is a protected wildlife site, so dogs must be kept on a lead and away from the reedbeds where waterfowl nest.
Can dogs be off lead at Lochmaben Castle and Castle Loch Circular?
Dogs with reliable recall can enjoy some off-lead freedom in Castle Wood and along the quieter lochside paths. However, leads are required near the reedbeds, on the short sections of minor road, and where the route passes the edge of a golf course. The loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so it's especially important to keep dogs away from nesting waterfowl in spring.
What should I know before visiting Lochmaben Castle and Castle Loch Circular with my dog?
Parking is free in the car park on the A709 just south east of Lochmaben, and there are smaller car parks near the castle itself. There are no toilets on the route, but Lochmaben village has shops where you can pick up supplies after the walk. The route is almost completely flat with boardwalks across the wetter ground, making it a great choice for older dogs or those who prefer an easier outing.
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