Loch Macaterick, a region in East Ayrshire, Scotland, is situated within the expansive Galloway Forest Park and the Merrick Kells Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This area features a rugged landscape defined by the loch itself, surrounded by peaks like Macaterick (499 m or 1,637 ft) and Craigfionn (366 m or 1,201 ft), along with mossy forests and varied terrain. The natural environment of Loch Macaterick provides a setting for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, and jogging.
Loch Macaterick offers numerous routes for outdoor activities, catering to various interests and ability levels. The diverse terrain, from tranquil lochside paths to challenging hill climbs, makes it suitable for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, and jogging. Hikers can explore routes through mossy woodlands and to panoramic viewpoints, while cyclists will find gravel tracks and varied terrain for both mountain biking and touring. More than 1,000 visitors have shared their experiences in Loch Macaterick, resulting in an average rating of 4.39 out of 5 stars. For detailed information on specific activities, explore guides such as Hiking around Loch Macaterick, MTB Trails around Loch Macaterick, and Cycling around Loch Macaterick.
30
Routes
4.6
(37)
Average rating
490
People visited

4.8
(19)
164
hikers
5.56km
01:33
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
25
hikers
12.1km
03:13
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
23
hikers
10.8km
02:49
80m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
19
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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13
riders
69.2km
05:36
990m
990m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(1)
20
riders
19.3km
01:40
240m
240m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

3.5
(2)
5
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
10.8km
00:55
80m
90m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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5.0
(1)
22
riders
39.3km
03:02
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

21
riders
31.6km
02:46
370m
370m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

8
riders
69.1km
05:50
960m
960m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

14
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12
runners
19.3km
02:12
240m
240m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

8
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
10.8km
01:16
80m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Loch Macaterick, located within Galloway Forest Park, offers a range of outdoor activities. These include hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, and jogging. The region's diverse terrain supports various routes for different skill levels.
Loch Macaterick itself is a central feature, containing several small islands like Eagles Isle, Blaeberry Isle, and Deer Isle. The loch is surrounded by peaks such as Macaterick (1,637 ft / 499 m) to its north and Craigfionn (1,201 ft / 366 m) to its west. The area also features mossy forests and varied terrain.
Yes, Loch Macaterick offers diverse hiking trails, including options suitable for beginners. These routes often feature easier paths through mossy woodlands or along the lochside. For specific easy routes, refer to the Easy hikes around Loch Macaterick guide.
The Loch Macaterick area, as part of Galloway Forest Park, provides mountain biking opportunities on varied terrain and forest tracks. Specific trails like the Stinchar Bridge and Waterfall loops are available. More information can be found in the MTB Trails around Loch Macaterick guide.
Loch Macaterick features routes designed for families, offering accessible paths and engaging scenery. These trails are generally less strenuous and suitable for various age groups. Consult the Family-friendly hikes around Loch Macaterick guide for suitable options.
Touring cyclists can explore the Loch Macaterick region using its gravel tracks and varied terrain within Galloway Forest Park. These routes offer a sense of remoteness and scenic views. The Cycling around Loch Macaterick guide provides detailed information on available routes.
Loch Macaterick is a popular destination among komoot users, with more than 1,000 visitors sharing their experiences. Routes in the region have an average rating of 4.39 out of 5 stars, indicating high user satisfaction with the outdoor offerings.
Yes, Loch Macaterick offers designated running trails for those who prefer to explore the region at a quicker pace. These trails allow joggers to experience the natural beauty of the area. The Running Trails around Loch Macaterick guide provides specific route information.
Komoot offers several guides for Loch Macaterick, covering various activities and difficulty levels. These include guides for Hiking, Easy hikes, Family-friendly hikes, MTB Trails, Cycling, Traffic-free bike rides, and Running Trails.
The area around Loch Macaterick offers several points of interest. The Cornish Hill Trail provides panoramic vistas, and the Loch Doon Castle Ruins loop combines historical interest with scenic views. The surrounding peaks like Macaterick and Craigfionn also offer expansive views of the landscape.
As a natural loch within a larger protected area, Loch Macaterick does not have a dedicated official website or phone number. Information regarding the area is typically found through resources for Galloway Forest Park or local East Ayrshire Council tourism information.

