Loch Dungeon

Loch Dungeon is a freshwater lake in Dumfries and Galloway, set in a remote part of the Southern Uplands. It lies about ten kilometres north-west of St John’s Town of Dalry, beside the Rhinns of Kells hills on its western shore. The only access is along rough tracks, with the nearest main road, the A713, five miles to the east. The lake’s uneven shape stretches 1.1 kilometres long and up to 530 metres wide, sitting 308 metres above sea level. It covers 35 hectares, holds 2.44 million cubic metres of water, and has a shoreline of about four kilometres. The water comes from streams draining a catchment of 6.42 square kilometres, mostly heath and moorland with some higher ground. Groundwater makes up a small part of the inflow. The Hawse Burn flows through the lake and leaves at the northern end to join the smaller Loch Minnoch 800 metres away. From there the Mid Burn, Polharrow Burn, Water of Ken, Earlstoun Loch, Loch Ken and the River Dee carry the water to the Solway Firth. Visitors reach the lake along narrow, unpaved tracks that wind through open moorland. The Rhinns of Kells form a steep backdrop on the western side, while the eastern shore is gentler and boggier. The water is deep in places, reaching nearly 29 metres at its deepest point. Around the lake there are few signs of settlement, giving a sense of quiet isolation. The midges can be active in summer, so walkers often keep moving.