Blackwater Trail

 

Starting under the railway viaduct, which was part of the "The Paddy line" the trail follows the River Dee downstream. Keep a watchful eye for the rich bird and insect life along the river bank.

How to get there:

Blackwater Trail can be started from Stroan Loch car park in Bennan Wood which is part of Galloway Forest Park. New Galloway is the nearest town or village.

From New Galloway:, A762 heading for Mossdale, turn off just before Mossdale on to the Raiders Road forest drive. Follow the forest drive for about one mile, the carpark is on the lefthand side at Stroan Loch., From Newton Stewart:, Take the A712 heading for New Galloway, at Clatteringshaws dam turn on to the Raiders Road forest drive heading for the Bennan. Keep on the forest drive until you reach the Stroan Loch carpark(about 8 miles).

OS Grid Reference: NX 647 700

Stroan Loch car park Facilities.

Grade of trail:

Trail waymarking:

Length of trail: one and a half miles

Approximate time of trail: one hour

Open or closed: open This trail is accessed from Loch Stroan car park on the Raiders road forest drive (open Easter - end of October). You are welcome to walk in from either end of the Raiders Road when the forest drive is closed.