Round Loch of Glenhead, a region nestled within Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, is defined by its wild moorland, numerous small hill lochs, and native oak woodlands. The landscape features dramatic steep cliffs, deep peat deposits, and granite intrusions, creating varied terrain suitable for outdoor pursuits. This ecologically significant area provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, and touring cycling, set amidst its rugged natural environment.
The…
32
Routes
4
(166)
Average rating
1485
People visited

4.7
(77)
526
hikers
9.85km
02:40
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(23)
297
hikers
12.9km
04:42
820m
820m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(10)
83
hikers
15.5km
05:19
810m
810m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(10)
82
hikers
9.08km
03:25
600m
600m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
2
riders
20.9km
02:16
580m
580m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(6)
87
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.5
(2)
13
riders
16.9km
01:21
250m
250m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
riders
15.8km
01:28
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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92
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
riders
16.6km
01:38
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
8
riders
18.4km
01:46
360m
360m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
The Round Loch of Glenhead is a natural feature located within Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It is characterized by wild moorland, numerous small hill lochs, and native oak woodlands. The area is part of the Merrick Kells Site of Special Scientific Interest and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The Round Loch of Glenhead region offers diverse opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, mountain biking, and touring cycling. The landscape features rugged terrain, lochside paths, and forested glens suitable for various skill levels.
Popular hiking routes include the moderate 6.1-mile (9.8 km) Loch Trool loop and the more strenuous 8.0-mile (12.9 km) Loch Trool to Merrick return. The 9.6-mile (15.5 km) Merrick Summit – Bruce's Stone Memorial loop from Glentrool Village is also a favored option. More details are available in Hiking around Round Loch of Glenhead.
Yes, the broader Galloway Forest Park, where the loch is located, is renowned for its mountain biking opportunities. It hosts two 7stanes mountain biking centers, Kirroughtree and Glentrool, offering trails from family-friendly green routes to challenging black-graded ones. Information can be found in MTB Trails around Round Loch of Glenhead.
The broader Galloway Forest Park offers excellent conditions for touring cycling, featuring quiet roads and cycle paths through picturesque lochs and glens. Scenic gravel tracks, such as those between Clatteringshaws and Glentrool, provide spectacular views for cyclists. Explore options in Cycling around Round Loch of Glenhead.
Yes, the region offers accessible lochside paths and green-graded mountain biking trails suitable for families and beginners. Specific guides like Easy hikes around Round Loch of Glenhead and Family-friendly hikes around Round Loch of Glenhead provide suitable options.
The area features wild moorland, numerous small hill lochs, and native oak woodlands. Steep cliffs rise to Craiglee, which stands at 1,742 feet (531 meters) to the north and northeast of the loch. The region is also known for its blanket peat deposits and granite intrusions.
The Round Loch of Glenhead region is popular among outdoor enthusiasts on komoot, with more than 6,000 visitors sharing their experiences. Activities in the area have received an average rating of 4.36 out of 5 stars.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for the Round Loch of Glenhead region, covering various sports and difficulty levels. These include guides for Hiking around Round Loch of Glenhead, MTB Trails around Round Loch of Glenhead, and Cycling around Round Loch of Glenhead.
Yes, the region offers opportunities for waterfall hikes. A dedicated guide, Waterfall hikes around Round Loch of Glenhead, provides information on routes that feature these natural attractions.
As Round Loch of Glenhead is within the larger Galloway Forest Park, information regarding the area, including activities and visitor details, is typically found through resources related to Galloway Forest Park or Forestry and Land Scotland. These official websites provide comprehensive guidance.

