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About this place
Carsfad Loch is a reservoir in Dumfries and Galloway, south-west Scotland, created by damming the Water of Ken. It sits at roughly 55.149 N, 4.187 W, close to the village of St John's Town of Dalry. Rather than a glacial loch, it is one of the working links in the Galloway hydro-electric scheme.
What is Carsfad Loch?
The reservoir was built in the 1930s as part of Stage II of the Galloway hydro programme. Its water feeds Carsfad Power Station, a 12 MW plant commissioned in 1936. The dam straddles the boundary between the old parishes of Kells and Dalry.
How big is it?
Canmore, the Historic Environment Scotland record, gives the water surface as about 100 acres (41 hectares), with a top water level of 338 ft (103 m) above Ordnance Datum. The level moves by around 2 ft (0.6 m) in a normal day. The catchment above the dam covers about 171 square miles (443 sq km).
Where does it fit on the River Ken?
The Water of Ken runs through three dammed lochs: Kendoon, Carsfad and Earlstoun. Downstream it passes St John's Town of Dalry and New Galloway, then widens into the 9-mile Loch Ken. The whole system is operated remotely from Glenlee Power Station, around 2 km west-south-west of Dalry. Drax Group runs the scheme, having bought the hydro assets from Scottish Power in 2018.
What will you see?
The setting is the rolling hill and woodland country of the Ken valley. The dam and power station appeal to anyone interested in industrial heritage, since the Galloway scheme was among the first large hydro developments in southern Scotland. Because water levels shift through the day, take care near the shore and in the river below the dam.
When to go
Galloway is at its best from late spring to early autumn, with long days and dry access roads. Pair a stop here with St John's Town of Dalry, New Galloway and the shores of Loch Ken.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carsfad Loch a natural lake?
No. It is an artificial reservoir formed by damming the Water of Ken for hydro-electric generation.
Where is Carsfad Loch?
In Dumfries and Galloway, near St John's Town of Dalry and New Galloway, on the Water of Ken.
How large is the reservoir?
About 41 hectares, with a top water level of 103 m above sea level.
What does the water power?
Carsfad Power Station, rated at 12 MW and part of the Galloway hydro scheme.
What lies downstream?
Earlstoun Loch, then Dalry, New Galloway and Loch Ken.
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