Easy hikes and walks around Lochnaw Loch
4.7
(71)
478
hikers
10
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Lochnaw Loch traverse a landscape characterized by gently undulating hills, valleys, and extensive woodlands. The loch itself, an artificial creation, is set within a natural geological basin, offering diverse lochside paths. The area features varied terrain, from accessible lochside routes to paths through rejuvenated native woodlands.
Best easy hiking trails around Lochnaw Loch
- The most popular easy hiking route is New Loch loop from McCubbin's Hill, a 3.1 miles (5.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 19 minutes to complete. This route offers easily accessible paths suitable for various fitness levels.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Dove Cot Plantation – Fox Plantation loop from Kirkcolm, an easy 3.9 miles (6.2 km) path. This trail winds through woodlands and lochside areas, providing a healthy and diverse environment.
- Local hikers also love the Wig Sands loop from Kirkcolm, a 2.2 miles (3.5 km) trail leading through coastal areas, often completed in about 53 minutes.
- Hiking around Lochnaw Loch is defined by gently undulating hills, woodlands, and lochside areas. The network offers options for easy hiking trails suitable for different ability levels.
- The routes in Lochnaw Loch are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 60 reviews. More than 450 hikers have used komoot to explore Lochnaw Loch's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
2
hikers
5.05km
01:19
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
20
hikers
6.21km
01:48
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
5
hikers
3.52km
00:54
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(9)
50
hikers
5.75km
01:35
100m
100m
Embark on an easy hiking adventure along the Portpatrick to Port Mora beach loop, a scenic route spanning 3.6 miles (5.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 318 feet (97 metres). You can expect to complete this coastal journey in about 1 hour and 35 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing. The trail offers captivating views of the rugged coastline and the vast Irish Sea from its clifftop paths, eventually leading you down to the sandy inlet of Port Mora Beach. As you hike, you will also pass through a steep, wooded glen filled with ancient oak trees, providing a lovely contrast to the open sea views.
To begin your hike, head to Portpatrick, a charming village that serves as the trailhead. This village offers various amenities, which are convenient for hikers before or after their journey. Parking is generally available within Portpatrick, making access to the route straightforward for those arriving by car. The easy difficulty of this loop makes it a great choice for families or anyone looking for a pleasant, unchallenging walk along the coast.
This route stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Once you reach Port Mora Beach, you have the opportunity to explore historical caves carved into the coastline, adding an element of discovery to your walk. The trail's path through both open clifftops and a secluded wooded glen showcases the diverse landscapes found in this region, offering a rich and varied experience within a relatively short distance.
4.5
(6)
19
hikers
4.42km
01:13
70m
70m
Embark on the Dunskey Castle loop from Portpatrick, an easy hike spanning 2.7 miles (4.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 241 feet (73 metres), typically completed in about 1 hour and 12 minutes. This route treats you to dramatic coastal scenery, following well-maintained paths along clifftops. You'll enjoy expansive sea views and panoramic vistas of Portpatrick village and its picturesque harbor. The highlight is undoubtedly the 16th-century Dunskey Castle, dramatically perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Irish Sea, offering a picturesque and imposing landmark.
This easy trail is suitable for various fitness levels, including families and beginners. The path consists of paved and unpaved sections, including street, road, hiking path, and footpath, with some steps and undulating sections. For safety, parts of the path in steep areas are fenced. You can expect to see beautiful wildflowers in spring and summer, and on clear days, you might even spot the Isle of Man or the Mountains of Mourne.
Beyond the castle, the trail offers views of the charming Portpatrick village, and a section of the walk often follows an old disused railway line, adding a unique element to the terrain. The coastal environment provides opportunities to spot various seabirds and seals. This loop is also close to the beginning of the Southern Upland Way, making it a great starting point for exploring the region.
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Tips from the Community
Southern Upland Way start and Portpatrick Harbour, RNLI base
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A perfect spot for watching the eaves crash in. shag rock is located here too
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Stunning views over the colourful seaside town of Portpatrick situated on Scotland's southeast coast.
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Unforgettable views over the colourful seaside village of Portpatrick. This point also marks the start of the Southern Upland Way.
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Stunning sand beach located on the Rhins' coastline of southwest Scotland followed by an enchanted woodland walk through Moor Plantation.
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The beautiful seaside village of Portpatrick on Scotland's southwest coast is the perfect place to eat, drink, shop, and relax. On a clear day, it's possible to see across the channel to Ireland from these shores!
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Quaint harbour town with wonderful views out towards Northern Ireland. The port is busy with small fishing boats coming and going and there are a few good pubs and cafes for refuelling.
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New Loch sits in the Ross Plantation forest, next to the smaller Old Loch. Loads of wildlife, especially birds on display as you ride passed. A good place to stop for a breather.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Lochnaw Loch?
There are several easy hiking trails around Lochnaw Loch, offering diverse landscapes. This guide features five specific easy routes, including the New Loch loop from McCubbin's Hill and the Dove Cot Plantation – Fox Plantation loop from Kirkcolm.
Are the easy trails around Lochnaw Loch suitable for families with children?
Yes, many of the easy trails are well-suited for families. Routes like the Portpatrick to Port Mora beach loop offer coastal views, sandy beaches, and historical caves, making them ideal for an enjoyable family outing.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails?
Lochnaw Loch is generally dog-friendly, with many trails suitable for walks with your canine companion. However, always ensure your dog is under control, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife, and adhere to any local signage regarding leash requirements.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the easy walks?
The easy walks around Lochnaw Loch feature gently undulating hills and valleys. You'll find diverse terrain, from accessible lochside paths to routes winding through rejuvenated native woodlands and coastal areas, such as the Wig Sands loop from Kirkcolm.
Are there any circular routes among the easy hiking options?
Yes, several easy routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the New Loch loop from McCubbin's Hill and the Dunskey Castle loop from Portpatrick.
What historical landmarks or points of interest can I see on these easy hikes?
The area is rich in history. You can explore the presence of Iron Age activity, including crannogs within Lochnaw Loch itself. The Dunskey Castle loop from Portpatrick offers views of the historic Dunskey Castle. While Lochnaw Castle is private, its historical presence by the loch adds to the area's allure. For more historical context, you can visit Lochnaw Castle on Wikipedia.
What wildlife might I encounter on the trails?
Lochnaw is a haven for nature lovers. The woodlands and lochside are home to diverse birdlife, including falcons, woodpeckers, and owls. You might also spot Red, Roe, and Sika deer, and if you're lucky, the elusive pine martens or red squirrels.
What is the typical distance and duration for an easy hike here?
Easy hikes around Lochnaw Loch vary in length and time. For instance, the New Loch loop from McCubbin's Hill is about 3.1 miles (5.1 km) and takes around 1 hour 19 minutes, while the Wig Sands loop from Kirkcolm is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) and can be completed in about 53 minutes.
Is there parking available near the trailheads?
While specific parking locations are not detailed for every trailhead, areas like Kirkcolm and Portpatrick, which serve as starting points for routes such as the Dove Cot Plantation – Fox Plantation loop, typically offer parking facilities for visitors.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails around Lochnaw Loch?
The easy trails around Lochnaw Loch are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 60 reviews. Hikers often praise the scenic views, the peaceful atmosphere of the woodlands, and the accessibility of the paths.
Are there any coastal easy walks in the area?
Yes, the region offers easy coastal walks. The Portpatrick to Port Mora beach loop is an excellent example, providing beautiful coastal views and access to sandy beaches.
What is the best time of year to hike the easy trails around Lochnaw Loch?
The diverse landscapes around Lochnaw Loch can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and abundant wildlife, while autumn brings vibrant colors to the woodlands. Even in winter, the trails can be beautiful, especially with the presence of migratory birds like Icelandic Whooper swans.
Most popular routes around Lochnaw Loch
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