Ness Glen, Loch Doon
what3words: ///props.chef.pave
My first visit to a new favourite location
River Doon, Ness Glen
My visit to Ness Glen began in a very unusual way. I had been searching for new walks and potential photo locations online when Hayley returned home from work and mentioned that she’d seen a possible new location for me to visit on someone’s Instagram feed. She showed me the images and I laughed and showed her my internet browser - the route for the Ness Glen walk still open where I’d left it.
Too much of a coincidence I thought, and so immediately my next trip was planned.
I was going to Ness Glen first chance I had!
I had visited Loch Doon and had driven the loch-side road many years ago, but until today I had never stopped and explored the area, so it was with some excitement that I set off on the drive south to Ayr and then south-eastward towards the village of Dalmellington in East Ayrshire.
The start of the walk is well sign-posted just after the start of Loch Doon and apart from a brief mile or two on single track roads, the route consists of well maintained A-class roads. Parking is limited but free although the visitor centre and cafe were closed on my visit and so the main car park was also locked.
From the roadside a well defined path, signed “Ness Glen” leads down towards a gate and then onwards towards the River Doon.
The route comprises of a path which runs alongside the River Doon. Notice boards indicate that the area is popular with Otters, Kingfishers and Ospreys though I saw no evidence of any of these on my trip.
Walk highlands website indicates that there is a circular route which returns via higher ground but on my visit I chose to walk the length of the gorge before retracing my steps back along the riverside to the car.
The area is beautiful and reminded me of Puck’s Glen near Dunoon.
I intend to return later in the year to see how it looks in Autumn and provided the access remains clear, I think the walk would also look incredible in winter conditions.
I spent my time photographing the many waterfalls and cascades along the river, but I’m sure the location would be wonderful for bird and wildlife photography too as I saw (but didn’t photograph) many different species of birds along the way. (alas, no kingfishers though)
The walk was quiet - apart from one dog-walker, then later a couple enjoying the route - I had the entire gorge to myself for around 3 hours.
There is a small footbridge which crosses the river. I didn’t explore what lay beyond the gate at the opposite side of the river, but from maps it would appear to be an alternate access point to the glen.
A very pleasant walk and one which I’m sure I’ll return to time and again. I’m just surprised it took me so long to find it!