Knowetop Lochs

Knowetop Lochs is a small, diverse upland reserve. Two small lochs are separated by a ridge of birch woodland fringed by reed-swamp, bog and willow scrub, with areas of wet and dry heath. Much of the reserve is marshy with willow thickets and conifer shelter belts are slowly being converted to broadleaved woodland.

Why visit?

Highlights include:

  • Dragonflies and damselflies
  • Scotch argus
  • Red kites and geese
  • Otter

Best time to visit?

  • May to Sep for flowering plants
  • Summer for butterflies
  • Summer and autumn for dragonflies

Visit for:

  • birdwatching
  • woodlands
  • wildflowers
  • peatlands
  • scenery
  • mammals
  • uplands
  • wetland
  • pond
  • butterflies

Other information

The habitats support otters, adders, scotch argus, barn owls and water voles and pipistrelle bats.

There is a circular path leading between the two lochs.

Facilities

Hover for more information

VISITING THE RESERVE

How to get there

Directions

The reserve is on the A712, 4 miles west of the village of Corsock in Dumfries and Galloway.

Get directions

Getting onto the reserve

Parking for 1-2 cars is in a layby beside the reserve entrance gate and sign. Additional parking is available in a larger layby on the opposite side of the road 100m to the west of the reserve entrance.

Access restrictions

A network of unsurfaced paths and boardwalks are maintained to provide access across the reserve. Please stay on the footpaths and keep dogs on a lead due to the presence of ground nesting birds and adders.

Nearest town
Corsock (4 mi / 6.4 km)
OS grid ref
NX707788
Landranger map
84

FURTHER READING

About Knowetop Lochs

Links & downloads

Reserve map

iSpot

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