Loch Harrow

Loch Harrow is a small freshwater loch in Dumfries and Galloway, in south-west Scotland. It sits at roughly 55.15° N, 4.32° W, in the hill country of the Glenkens, north-west of the village of St John's Town of Dalry. It suits visitors who prefer empty uplands to ticketed attractions.

Where is Loch Harrow?

The loch lies in the Southern Uplands, behind the valley of the Water of Ken. The nearest village is St John's Town of Dalry, on the Water of Ken about three miles north of New Galloway. Smaller places on the map nearby include North Gairy and Scar of the Folk. Its Gaelic name is Loch na h-Airbhe.

What is the setting like?

Loch Harrow is where the Polharrow Burn begins. Water leaves the loch eastwards and runs about 8.6 km before joining the Water of Ken. The Ordnance Survey Name Books of 1848–1851 record the burn as flowing out of Loch Harrow, Loch Minnies and Loch Dungeon, and state that the loch gave the burn its name. The name is Gaelic, and the same element, "airbhe", appears in the burn's name.

Loch Minnoch lies between Loch Harrow and Loch Dungeon, some seven miles north-west of Dalry. All three can be seen together from the Rhinns of Kells ridge, a favourite with hillwalkers. Routes along that range, taking in Corserine, Meikle Millyea and Milldown, usually start near Forrest Lodge, and walkers' reports give about 19 km and around 1,200 m of ascent for the round.

How should you plan a visit?

Expect proper hill terrain: wet ground, tussocky slopes and loose rock. Bring sturdy boots, a topographic map or offline navigation, and plenty of time, because approaches on foot are long. St John's Town of Dalry makes the most practical base. It grew from a medieval settlement linked to the Knights of St John and was laid out as a planned village in the late 18th century.

What else is nearby?

Within a few miles are Loch Minnoch and Loch Dungeon, and to the east the Water of Ken valley with further villages of the Galloway Glens. From the Rhinns of Kells you see all three lochs at once, which is the best way to take in Loch Harrow within its landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Loch Harrow?

In Dumfries and Galloway, north-west of St John's Town of Dalry, at the head of the Polharrow Burn.

What does the name mean?

It is of Gaelic origin. The alternative Gaelic form is Loch na h-Airbhe.

Where does the water go?

East into the Polharrow Burn, which meets the Water of Ken after about 8.6 km.

Where is the best view of the loch?

From the higher parts of the Rhinns of Kells, where Loch Harrow, Loch Minnoch and Loch Dungeon are visible together.