What’s better than walking from Dalmellington, through Ness Glen, to Loch Doon? Extending the walk further to include the much smaller yet almost equally beautiful Loch Finlas, of course! This is a hike I used to love doing with my Grandad, and I felt it was about time I revisited it with my own kids… Since Loch Finlas sits only a mile from Loch Doon (and less than 3 miles from Loch Doon Roundhouse), it takes minimal extra effort to reach, especially if you’re camping. Spend the day exploring Loch Finlas or pay it a visit as part of a longer walk. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Loch Finlas Hike
Loch Finlas is a freshwater loch and beauty spot near Dalmellington in East Ayrshire, Scotland. It’s a short hike (more of a countryside walk) from Loch Doon and perfect for those wanting to explore more of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. The loch is accessible via a signposted, well-defined trail from a nearby road. As well as being an enjoyable walk, Loch Finlas is one of Ayrshire’s lesser-known scenic places and an authentic off-the-beaten-track experience in South West Scotland.
Loch Finlas Hike Basics
- Distance: The total distance for this out-and-back walk from Loch Doon Roundhouse to Loch Finlas is 5.55 miles (8.93 km), which is 2.78 miles (4.47 km) each way.
- Duration: I took around 3 hours to complete the walk to Loch Finlas. This includes lengthy stops and lots of photos. I also spent well over an hour admiring the scenery at the location. You could probably walk this route (one way) in less than 1 hour, but I strongly recommend making a day of it.
- Elevation Gain: 341 ft (103.94 metres).
- Difficulty: It’s an easy hike, provided you’re fit and healthy. You’ll be walking by the side of the road, then on a rocky trail. My five-year-old daughter managed this walk without any difficulty and loved every second.
How To Get To The Loch Finlas Hike Trailhead
This walk is from Loch Doon Roundhouse to Loch Finlas. But, the official trailhead would be the signposted metal gate before crossing the bridge.
My journey started with a bus from Kilmarnock to Ayr, then a bus (Stagecoach Service 52) from Ayr to Bellsbank (Dalmellington). I walked from Bellsbank to Loch Finlas via Ness Glen and Loch Doon.
There’s no need to walk from Bellsbank if you have a car.
Here are your options:
By Car
Loch Doon is about 21.7 miles (34.92 km) from Ayr, 56.5 miles (90.93 km) from Glasgow and 57.5 miles (92.54 km) from Stranraer. If you’re coming from Stranraer, stay on the coastal road (A77) until you reach Girvan, then cut inland on the B741 towards Dalmellington. This means you can stop off at Bennane Cave, Sawney Bean’s Cave and Girvan Beach before continuing on the A713 through Dalmellington and to the turn-off for Loch Doon.
You can drive straight to the trailhead rather than walk to Loch Finlas from Loch Doon Roundhouse. Doing so will shave 1.8 miles (2.9 km) off the route.
If you’re driving, please be aware that the road at Loch Doon is bumpy in places and very narrow, with the occasional passing space. There is parking near the trailhead, but it’s only enough for a couple of cars. The best option may be to park when you find a convenient spot and walk the remaining distance.
By Public Transport
Take Stagecoach Service 52 from Ayr to Bellsbank (after Dalmellington). You’ll then need to walk from Bellsbank, through the woodland, to Loch Doon.
This post contains a map and directions from Bellsbank to Loch Doon Roundhouse via Ness Glen:
Ness Glen Hike In East Ayrshire: Complete Guide
Alternatively, if you’re planning a longer hike or a Loch Doon camping trip, here is the perfect start to your walk:
Loch Doon Walk: How To See 3 Beauty Spots In One Day
Bus Within Ayrshire
Consider using the bus if you’re coming from another town within Ayrshire and check your ticket prices against an Ayrshire DayRider. You might be able to save some money on your journey, especially if you have more stops to make. I personally use an Ayrshire DayRider for most of my trips as they’re a great budget option. They offer unlimited bus travel around the region for only £7.50.
How To Walk To Loch Finlas From Loch Doon Roundhouse
There’s a circular walk to Loch Finlas from Loch Doon, which includes a forest trail. But I chose an out-and-back route since my visit was close to sunset.
Walking to Loch Finlas is straightforward. You won’t get lost.
Here’s the route I took:
- From Loch Doon Roundhouse, follow the road away from the dam and further up the loch.
- Continue until you see a cattle grid sitting in front of a bridge.
- There’s a gate on your right-hand side signposted for Loch Finlas immediately before the bridge (don’t cross).
- Go through and follow the trail to the loch.
Things To Know Before Hiking To Loch Finlas
This day hike to Loch Finlas won’t provide much of a challenge if you’re an experienced hiker. But this doesn’t mean that you should underestimate the area by showing up unprepared.
Plan accordingly and keep these points in mind:
- Wear good walking shoes or hiking boots, as the trail leading to Loch Finlas is rocky and uneven in parts. On a rainy day, it can get quite muddy and slippery.
- Bring layers, no matter the conditions. In Scotland, it’s not uncommon to see all four seasons in one day! Remember to pack a waterproof jacket.
- Make sure to carry plenty of water and snacks. Loch Finlas is an excellent place to enjoy a picnic.
- Check the weather before hiking to Loch Finlas to ensure the conditions are suited to your preferred experience.
- Walk against the traffic when you’re on the road. Stay on the right-hand side so that you can easily see oncoming cars and be prepared to step off of the road to give way.
- Midges (summer months) and ticks are rife at Loch Doon and Loch Finlas. Use insect repellent, wear light-coloured clothing so you can spot ticks before they attach and carry a tick removal tool.
- Always practice leave-no-trace ethics. Leave things as they are, and do not drop any rubbish. Take your litter back to the bins in Brodick.
Best Time To Hike To Loch Finlas
You can walk to Loch Finlas all year round. However, due to the muddiness of the trail, it’s best to visit on a dry day.
My favourite time to visit Loch Finlas is when there is barely any wind. If the water is still, photograph the reflections! (See cover photo).
Loch Finlas doesn’t get overcrowded. You might meet others on the trail, but it won’t get busy. This visit was in November, and we had the loch all to ourselves.
If combining Loch Finlas with some of the better-known locations in Ayrshire, the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are a great choice. Temperatures will be milder, but you’ll encounter fewer people. Scottish schools break for the summer at the end of June and usually return in mid-August. Visit on a weekday outside of these dates if you can.
My Visit To Loch Finlas
We couldn’t have asked for better weather during our visit to Loch Finlas. Blue skies and sun, yet cool enough to fast hike from Bellsbank without breaking too much of a sweat. Due to the time of year, the sun was low in the sky, meaning the lighting conditions were pretty decent for some landscape photography.
Since I had two of my kids with me, including my five-year-old daughter, I didn’t want to walk them too far. So, the plan was to hike from Bellsbank to Loch Doon first and then see how they felt about pushing on to Finlas. But after a rest by the loch near the Roundhouse, the wee ones were still motivated and excited to walk further.
Making our way along from the Roundhouse, it was just a matter of following the road to the trailhead. And it was November, so, the road was quiet. We rarely needed to jump on the grass to let cars pass.
After passing Loch Doon Caravan and Camping Park, then a house that looked like a wooden cabin, we reached the start of the walking trail.
There were no other people in sight for the whole route between Loch Doon and Loch Finlas. Same when we arrived at the loch. While my kids took advantage of the open space, playing and exploring, I used the time to chill and take photos.
Walking back to Bellsbank is when the real adventure began… We’d spent a little longer at Loch Finlas than planned, and the sun was setting. This meant we had to walk through the woods in the dark with a headlamp and mobile phone torch. But the clear, starry sky made it all worthwhile.
Loch Finlas Hike Highlights
Loch Finlas Viewpoint
If you walk the circular route or take the forest trail, there’s a beautiful viewpoint from which to photograph Loch Finlas. The viewpoint sits on the forest trail side by the path cutting around the bank of the loch. This is where we stopped for our sandwiches and the location where I took the cover photo for this post. We also ventured further up the forest trail out of curiosity and for a closer look at Craiglee before backtracking and calling it a day.
Countryside Scenery
The landscapes surrounding Loch Finlas were a highlight of this walk. I probably spent more time photographing the hills than I did the loch. Craiglee was the most prominent, with Benbeoch near Dalmellington visible in the distance from the walking trail. The sunset was also quite spectacular. I’ll definitely be returning to this area for some atmospheric photos when the conditions are right.
ADVENTURE EDIT
Walking And Hiking
Using Loch Doon or Dalmellington as your base, there are tonnes of walking and hiking routes nearby. Pull up AllTrails and go crazy!
If you have enough time, you can continue to Loch Bradan. There are also multiple hillwalking opportunities from Loch Doon, like Craiglee, which gives you an epic view of Loch Finlas from above.
You might also like: The Best Hiking Apps UK: What To Download In 2024
Wild Camping
Rather than wild camping at Loch Finlas, I’d suggest camping at Loch Doon. There you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere suitable to pitch your tent.
Wild camping in Scotland is perfectly legal, provided you exercise common sense and decency. Stay out of enclosed fields and away from buildings. Also, avoid getting too close to people’s property or historic structures such as Loch Doon Castle.
There’s also an official campsite at Loch Doon, which feels just like wild camping. It’s basic but still a step up with drinking water, toilets, a shower block, waste disposal facilities, and a play area for kids.
Loch Doon Caravan and Camping Park is only a short walk from the dam and puts you near the banks of the loch. Check prices and book online before travelling!
For a more comfortable stay, Craigengillan Estate offers a variety of accommodation options, including holiday cottages and glamping pods.
Facilities And Amenities
Nearest Town
Dalmellington is the nearest settlement to Loch Finlas. Stock up on supplies before leaving Ayr.
Public Toilets
There are no toilets at Loch Finlas. Remember, you’re in the countryside…
Food And Drink
Take a picnic to Loch Finlas. When you return to Loch Doon Roundhouse, treat yourself to a hot drink and a bite to eat!
Where To Next?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Craig Swain has lived in Ayrshire (Scotland) for almost 40 years. He travels extensively around the region, seeking the best destinations, adventures, and experiences.
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