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Things
to do and places to see around Dalmellington |
Dalmellington
and the Loch Doon area has some great walks which will tempt you to explore
the area even more. There is a mix of ancient history, industrial heritage
and country house splendour in the area. You can find more about the attractions
of the Dalmellington
area by visiting the local website.
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Walking
and Cycling: |
As
shown on the main map there are a number of paths and tracks in the area
through the woodlands south of Dalmellington and along the path of the River
Doon to Loch Doon. The walk around Loch Doon is a popular one.
The area is only a few miles from Straiton where there are a number of impressive
and scenic walks. Select the Straiton walks section of the website for more
information.
You should
take a good map for reference if you plan to wander off the recognised
paths.
At nearby Straiton a local cycle route heads south and joins up with the
main National Cycle Route No 7. Check the Cycle Straiton section of the
website.
For exploring the Dalmellington area use the Ordnance
Survey Explorer map 327. |
Fishing: |
| If you
are interested in a relaxing day out fishing in the area you can contact
the Ness Glen Angling Club on 01292 550215. The Club has fishing on Loch
Doon and Derclach for brown trout, salmon and sea trout. |
Birdwatching: |
Loch Doon
reservoir has a mix of duck and other water fowl including Goldeneye and
Merganser. Sandpipers are also regular visitors. Around the Loch Doon area
there is a mix of lochs, woodland and moors. These provide habitats for
a range of wildlife including some birds of prey such as Buzzard and Peregrine
Falcon. Meadow Pipit, and Skylark can be seen and heard.The woodland areas
have Goldcrest.
North of Ness Glen is Bogton Loch where you can see swans, geese and other
water fowl as well as the odd otter if you are lucky. The area is also favoured
by Hen Harriers and other birds of prey. Click
here for details. |
Sites
of Special Scientific Interest : |
| There are
sites of Special Scientific Interest at Dunaskin Glen and Benbeoch where
there are examples of carboniferous and igneous geology. Between the B741
and the A713 routes where they meet is Dalmellington Moss or Sillyhole Moss.
Here are fine examples of a raised bog area and rare bog plant species such
as the white beak-sedge, great sundew and bog rosemary. The site is also
home to a rare species of water beetle. Other areas of special scientific
interest include Loch Doon home to the rare Arctic Char, Bogton Loch and
Ness Glen where there are oceanic mosses and liverworts, ferns, lichens
and breeding birds. |
Industrial
Heritage: |
Two
miles north-west of Dalmellington on the A713 is Dunaskin Heritage Centre.
Originally an ironworks, Dunaskin tells the story of the iron, coal and
brickworks in the area through the eyes of the people who lived and worked
there. There are audio-visual presentations, guided tours, and a restaurant.
For more information go to the Dunaskin
website.
The Scottish Industrial Railway Centre is just 1/2 a mile north-west of
Dalmellington. Here you will see a collection of rolling stock, 9 steam
locomotives and 15 diesel locomotives. There is a museum, shop and buffet.
They also have steam open days and visitors will be able to travel on the
line to Waterside station at Dunaskin 2 miles away. Check
out the website for more details of opening times and events.
For exploring the Dalmellington area use the Ordnance
Survey Explorer map 327. |
Accommodation: |
| There are
a various hotels, country houses and B&B's within the area. Go to the
Ayrshire and Arran
Tourist Board website to search for accommodation. |
