| Bennan Hill is within the Galloway Forest Park and sits towards the Northern end of Loch Ken. It is a small hill but one which gives unsurpassed views over the loch and the surrounding countryside. It is easily accessible, being just off the road and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a tour around the loch. Loch Ken is part of the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme which was completed in 1936. Part of it is in an environmentally sensitive area (E.S.A.). It is extremely rich in wildlife, containing a variety of habitats, making it important for greylag geese, whooper swans, great crested grebes and especially its wintering flock of Greenland white-fronted geese. The surrounding woodlands also support a number of less common birds such as willow tits, wood warblers, redstarts and pied flycatchers. The loch is the most important established water skiing centre in Southern Scotland. Windsurfing, dinghy sailing, rowing and canoeing are also available form the various Marinas around the loch.
START from the car park for both routes to the viewpoint. Option A, the easier route is mainly on forest tracks and has gentle gradients. Option B, the steeper route takes you to the viewpoint on a forest path with benches along the way where you can stop, rest and enjoy the views.
Option A – From the car park, follow the path until it meets the forest track. Follow the waymarkers and soon you will reach an area where mature douglas firs dominate. Continue to follow the waymarkers through the forest, listening out for the abrupt screech of a jay amongst the trees. The track turns off to the right and continues to go gradually uphill. As the path becomes slightly steeper, the views start to open out. The path soon levels out and you pass the point where the two routes meet. The viewpoint is not far from here. Once you are at the top, enjoy the wonderful views over Loch Ken to Mochrum Fell and the surrounding countryside. The viewpoint has an information board which tells you all you can expect to see in the area. On a clear day, Screel and Bengairn can be seen in the distance. You can also pick out the villages of Crossmichael and Mossdale. Keep an eye out for soaring buzzards at eye level, taking advantage of the thermals. To return, retrace your steps to the car park.
Option B – This route is much steeper and much shorter. From the car park, follow the sign and take the right hand path. This takes you along a forest path, through the trees to the viewpoint (see above). There are benches along the way so you can enjoy the views and have a rest or a picnic. Once you’ve reached the viewpoint, you can either retrace your steps or return via the easier route described in option A.
For a map of the area click to view agree conditions on first page, on the second page in the top left box and type in NX6573 for the start point.
|
