Lake

Loch Ken Boat o' Rohen

Reviews

4.7

(3 reviews)

Having been swimming earlier in the day, I wasn't going to bother. But when we pulled up at the car park, it looked very inviting. It's a mixture of shallow and deep, and closer to the centre there's more of a current. Make sure you go in with a tow float. 👍 Great swim, thanks for recommending.

Tracy 999

2y ago

Hidden in plain sight! Very easily accessible from car park. Beautiful spot. Current can apparently pull a bit but was fine when I visited.

Jami

4y ago

Swim itself was great but loads of rubbish left under and around the bridge area where you get changed/dried. The current varies. It can be quite strong. Tow float essential to ensure those on boats and paddle boards see you.

See all reviews | Add review

About

This is a very long loch quite shallow at the sides but very deep in the middle. Depth depends on the water flow through as it is part of the hydro system. Very small gravelly area under the bridge where you can sit.

Location

Getting there

Take the A713 out of Castle Douglas and drive through Crossmichael and Parton. Just after the Loch Ken Holiday Park campsite there is parking in your left. It is a walk of just 10 metres or so to the waterside.

Accessibility

The loch is very accessible with ample parking so kayakers, fisherman and paddle boarders often enter the water here and it can be quite busy in the summer, as there is not much space to sit lichside. Faster motorised boats allowed to the right of the bridge, so better to swim to the left

What swimmers say

Facilities

Nearby parking

Activities

Swimming Long swim

Landscape

Easy to walk to

Water sports

Kayaking SUP

Help verify this spot

Plan your swim

Before you go

Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing.
Lake water can be much colder below the surface (thermocline)
Stay close to shore until you know the conditions
Watch for boat traffic and stay visible with a tow float
Check for blue-green algae warnings before swimming

Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.

Been here recently?

Share conditions, tips, or hazards to help other swimmers plan their visit to Loch Ken Boat o' Rohen.

Add review Report temperature Share conditions

Frequently asked questions

Is this lake safe for swimming?

Check the Conditions tab for surface state and wind conditions. Review the Quality tab if this is a designated bathing water. Always read recent community reports for local advice.

How cold is the water?

Check the Temperature tab for the current estimate and 7-day trend. Lakes hold heat longer than rivers but can develop a thermocline. The water below the surface can be dramatically colder.

What should I bring?

A tow float for visibility (especially important where boats operate), warm layers for after, and consider a wetsuit in colder months. Check for designated swimming areas.