Over the years Earshaig Lochans has been a wonderful resource for the public and visitors to the area – a perfect spot for afternoon walks or picnics! Now Kirkpatrick Juxta Community Council, the Forestry Commission and Dumfries & Galloway Council Countryside Department are working closely together to make a visit to Earshaig Lochans a very special experience for the visitor.
By following the signs for the Southern Upland Way and Annandale Way, make your way up over the traffic-light controlled bridge and up the hill, known as the Crooked Road, and pass into Forestry Commission Scotland’s Earshaig Forest. Do look behind you as you go to soak up the fantastic views of the Southern Uplands all around you.
Opposite the edge of Earshaig Forest and the car parking area, on the north side of the road is a kissing gate. Signage will direct you as you go from the car park. Follow the pathway for about 300 yds and you will reach the lochans, surrounded by the Southern Uplands and with a lovely view of the highest hill within the Lowther range – Queensberry.
There are 2 lochans, one of which is a wetlands area with a twisting ‘Adder-like’ boardwalk to enable one to walk across and see the waters teeming with life and then on to the other lochan. There are bridges over this which are frequently used for pond-dipping activities for local children, but of course anyone can have a go – so remember to bring your nets!
There is much wildlife to be seen in this area including roe deer, crossbills, many types of dragonfly, basking reptiles, and a varied selection of birds of prey.
As well as the chainsaw carving, by world-champion carver Pete Bowsher, there is also another of his carvings of a dragonfly. There are picnic tables, a maintained footpath, and some interpretation of the local area, so do go and enjoy spending time in this beautiful location.