Carrick Forest Drive

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Discover Ayrshire's finest mountain scenery by car

Discover the hidden treasures of wild south Ayrshire on this two-way forest drive connecting Loch Doon and Stinchar Bridge. This is one of the easiest ways to discover some of Ayrshire's finest mountain scenery and enjoy a true wilderness experience.

There are several quiet car parks and picnic areas along the 6-mile route. These all have fantastic views of the Galloway Hills. There's also a adventure playground and picnic area beside picturesque Loch Riecawr.

Look out for the atmospheric ruins of Loch Doon Castle. You can find it beside the loch, near the eastern entrance to the forest drive. The castle, built in about 1300, originally stood on an island in the loch. It was moved here in the 1930s. This is when Loch Doon became part of a hydro-electric scheme, which raised the water level.

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