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.
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.
If you are interested in a relaxing day out fishing in the area you can contact local angling clubs. There is fishing on Loch Doon and Derclach for brown trout, salmon and sea trout.
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 of birds in Ness Glen or at Loch Doon. Dalmellington Moss 1km west of Dalmellington is Dalmellington Moss, a site of Special Scientific Interest and home to Swan, Hen Harrier, Snipe, Curlew and many more.
There are
also 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.
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.
There are a some traditional farmhouse B&B's and local Hotels available in the area. Go to the Ayrshire and Arran Tourist Board website to search for accommodation.