Loch Ken
| Loch Ken | |
|---|---|
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| Location | Dumfries and Galloway |
| Coordinates | 55°00′32″N 4°03′22″W / 55.009°N 4.056°WCoordinates: 55°00′32″N 4°03′22″W / 55.009°N 4.056°W |
| Type | freshwater loch, reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Water of Ken, River Dee |
| Basin countries | Scotland |
| Max. length | 9 mile |
| Settlements | Glenlochar, Lauriston, Mossdale, Crossmichael, Parton |
| Official name | Loch Ken & River Dee Marshes |
| Designated | 31 August 1992 |
Loch Ken is 9-mile long freshwater loch in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It lies in the Glenkens, where it is fed from the north by the Water of Ken and from the west by the Dee. It continues as the Dee south from Glenlochar, where the water is held back by the Glenlochar Barrage. Part of the Galloway hydro-electric power scheme, the barrage regulates the river's flow.
Villages around Loch Ken include Glenlochar at the south, Laurieston and Mossdale on the west side of the loch, and Crossmichael and Parton on the east. The village of New Galloway lies one mile to its north. The parish church of Balmaghie is also by the loch.
Loch Ken is used recreationally for water skiing, fishing, and sailing, with Glenlaggan Lodges and Loch Ken Marina catering to visitors.
A railway viaduct, once part of the Portpatrick Railway crosses the loch at Boat o' Rhone, but is now disused.
Loch Ken and River Dee Marshes was designated a Ramsar site on 21 August 1992.
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