Water of Ken Walk, Kendoon and Carsfad
The Water of Ken flows south through the Glenkens, a quiet valley north of Castle Douglas that is one of D&G’s least-visited but most rewarding walking areas. The river passes through a series of hydro-electric reservoirs — Kendoon, Carsfad, Earlstoun, and Loch Ken — and the paths along its banks offer excellent wildlife watching, particularly for red kites, otters, and wildfowl in the Ken-Dee Marshes RSPB reserve.
The walk from Kendoon Loch south towards Carsfad follows the river through mixed woodland and open hillside, with several points where the Ken tumbles over rocky shelves in small waterfalls. Dogs love paddling here, though keep them close near the deeper gorge sections. Lead your dog near the RSPB reserve sections, particularly in spring and early summer when ground-nesting birds are active.
The Glenkens is red kite country — you are almost guaranteed a sighting. The Clachan Inn at St John’s Town of Dalry, a few miles south, is a welcoming dog-friendly pub for post-walk refreshments. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a relaxed 5-mile out-and-back.