Loch Ken

Loch Ken is a freshwater loch in Dumfries and Galloway, stretching nine miles through the Glenkens. It sits where the Water of Ken and the River Dee meet, held back by the Glenlochar Barrage to form part of the Galloway hydro-electric scheme. The loch continues south as the Dee from Glenlochar, regulating the river’s flow. Villages line its shores: Glenlochar at the south, Laurieston and Mossdale to the west, and Crossmichael and Parton to the east. New Galloway lies a mile north, and Balmaghie’s parish church overlooks the water. The loch is known for its large pike, caught by John Murray at Kenmure Castle in the 18th century. The fish weighed seventy-two pounds and measured seven feet long, its skeleton once displayed in the castle’s billiard room. Murray, a gamekeeper for the Gordons, is buried at Kells Churchyard, where his tombstone shows carvings of his tools and dogs. The area is also a Ramsar site, recognised for its marshes along the River Dee. Recreational use includes water skiing, fishing, and sailing, with lodges and a marina welcoming visitors. A disused railway viaduct crosses at Boat o’ Rhone, once part of the Portpatrick Railway. The Loch Ken Trust, formed in 2020, works to protect the area’s natural, cultural, and recreational value. The loch’s surroundings offer quiet walks, views of the water, and glimpses of local wildlife. Kenmure Castle stands at the northern end, while the villages provide small shops and places to stay. The landscape blends open water with marshes and wooded hills, making it a peaceful spot for visitors.