サザンアップランズ山脈の湖・トップ20

In calm weather, the loch is a beautiful, mirror-like feature nestled between low hills. Swimming is potentially dangerous because the water level is regulated and cold undercurrents develop. On the shore is the basic but pleasant Tibbie Shiels Inn campsite. Across the road is a bikers' café where hikers are also welcome.

I did this on my recumbent e-trike at the end of April. Very quiet, only 3 cars. I started from a small campsite near New Galloway via Clatteringshaws Loch and cycled from W to E which was mostly downhill. Rough in places but manageable on the trike.

The Talla Reservoir is an earth work dam which traps the Talla Water. It opened in 1905 to increase the water supplies for the expanding city of Edinburgh. The reservoir is on the quiet, hilly road that crosses the country between Tweedsmuir and St Mary's Loch. It's quite a climb from the reservoir up to the Megget Stone at the high point but well worth it for the views.

Can be pretty slippery around the Loch and path is narrow in places. Be careful in the dark.

Please consult the large notice board at the trailhead. This is a commercial forest and currently, timber harvesting is taking place along the southern flank of the Loch (hence tha barriers encountered by abp1). There are diversions in place to avoid the southern flank, rerouting via the north shore. This is detailed on the notice board. Also, please be aware that this is not an official MTB route, and taking a bike along it is not a good idea since the trail will have walkers of all abilities along its length, most of whom will not be expecting MTBs at all.

We tried to do this tour on June 21, 2023, but had to cancel. After approx. 13 km you come out of the forest into a wide valley. The landscape is very beautiful, but the path is destroyed by a large number of watercourses and you have to dismount every few meters. After that, the path is obstructed by massive willow barriers with barbed wire. The route would have to be laid out differently, otherwise this tour is not recommended.

Although other tips where saying it can be busy with cars, it wasn't the case when we were there. However, it is the only road in this part of the New Galloway park where (against payment) cars are allowed, so be aware of oncoming traffic behind the corner, or behind the hill.

Loch Skeen is a high mountain loch surrounded by mountains. The Tail Burn that feeds out of the loch pours over the Grey Mare's Falls down the valley. You can run a loop staying close to the loch shore or take to the mountains above.