Enjoy Loch Doon

To help keep Loch Doon safe and enjoyable for everyone who visits, we're introducing a Byelaw covering Loch Doon Camping Management.

Taking some time to understand these and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code will mean you can be sure that your stay is safer, more enjoyable and respectful to the area, its residents and other visitors.

About the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets out the rights and responsibilities for responsible access to most land and inland water in Scotland for recreation, education, and travel. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is a legal framework established under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 that formalises Scotland’s tradition of universal access to land and inland waters. It provides guidance for both the public and land managers on how to exercise and respect access rights responsibly. Access rights apply to most land, including hills, moors, forests, beaches, rivers, lochs, parks, and some farmland, but exclude private areas such as houses, gardens, school grounds, and places charging for entry

How to camp

Scotland offers a wide range of managed campsites with facilities for an enjoyable and comfortable visit, and these can be a much better option in busy areas. You can find campsites and other accommodation through VisitScotland.

Cool campers always:

• Use small tents and camp well away from buildings and roads and have a backup plan to go somewhere else if it’s busy.
• Avoid camping in enclosed fields of crops or farm animals.
• Take away all belongings and litter and leave no trace of their visit.

Cooking and keeping warm

Although Scotland often appears cool and wet, the land can suffer from wildfires, which devastate wildlife and local communities. We may enjoy the romantic idea of an open fire, but the reality is that these can quickly get out of control.

To prevent fire-related incidents:

• Don't light an open fire, including in fire bowls or BBQs, during times of high fire risk (prolonged periods of dry weather) or near forests, farmland, peaty ground, or close to buildings, or historic sites.
• Always pay attention to fire danger warnings, information from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and follow all local advice.
• If you need to, use a camping stove to cook your food. Place it on a level, non-flammable surface away from dry grass and vegetation (and your tent!) and keep a close watch while using it.
• When cleaning up, pick up any pieces of broken glass with the rest of your rubbish, as these act as a magnifying glass for the sun and can start fires. Also, take away cigarette ends as, although they seem to cool down quickly, they can still ignite dry grass if left on the ground.
• Remember that deadwood provides a home and food for many creatures and is vital for the ecosystem. So, leave the wood on the ground and never cut down or damage trees.
• Report any out-of-control fires by calling 999 immediately.

More information

For more tips on camping in Scotland visit NatureScot's webpages Be a Cool Camper

If you see someone in danger, or behaving in ways that can endanger themselves, other people, wildlife or the environment here's what to do:

• Call 999 and ask for Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard as soon as you can
• Keep yourself safe and then work out what you can do to help

Water safety

If you see someone in danger in the water please DON'T attempt to go in yourself. Call for help first. There are numerous life saving and water safety devices located at points around the Loch and there is a defibrillator at the Round House Cafe and visitor centre. These are checked weekly.

Find out more about keeping safe in and around the water:

Visit Water Safety Scotland webpages

Fly - tipping

If you come across fly tipping please help us by reporting it using our online system. It's quick and easy to use. If you can supply us with some simple details we have a good track record of catching and convicting offenders. Please help us by reporting:

• date, time and location of the incident (you can use what3words, post code or map co-ordinates)
• what has been dumped - please don't touch anything or open any bags in case it's hazardous - we just need a visual appraisal)
• description of any vehicles (make, model, any name/logo on it, and registration number if possible
• photos if possible and safe to do so
• your contact details

Report fly-tipping

Fire safety

Help reduce wildfires and protect Scotland

Wildfires pose a serious threat to Scotland's landscapes, wildlife, and communities. We can all play a part in preventing them. By following a few simple guidelines, we can protect the places we love and keep ourselves safe.

• Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code’s advice and never start a fire when a wildfire danger assessment is in place and during prolonged dry periods in areas such as forests, woods, farmland or peaty ground.
• Don’t have BBQs, on any flammable surface during very dry and prolonged weather. Instead have them within safe designated BBQ areas.
• Don’t have campfires or any outdoor fire when a wildfire danger assessment is in place or during prolonged dry periods.
• Always fully extinguish cigarettes and dispose of them responsibly.
• Don’t leave litter, take it home with you and leave no trace. Glass in direct sunlight can cause a fire. Ensure none is lying around.
• Where possible use a stove rather than an open fire.
• If you do light a fire, keep it small, controlled and supervised
• Make sure the fire has been fully extinguished and remove all traces of an open fire before you leave the area.

Wildfire prevention

Protecting your home from wildfires

Summer means picnics and barbecues

Eating outdoors should be fun and leave no trace, make it easy for yourself by following these tips. Packing up your picnic waste and bringing it home ensures it actually gets recycled rather than ending up in a littered park.

Simple steps for picnic recycling:

• Bring two bags: Dedicate one bag for general rubbish and one for clean recycling.
• Keep caps on: Leave plastic bottle caps attached so they do not get lost in nature.
• Squash your cans: Crush aluminium cans and plastic bottles to save space in your bag.
• Wipe it down: Use a leftover damp napkin to wipe residue out of plastic tubs.
• Pack a tea towel: Bring a reusable cloth to clean up spills instead of paper kitchen roll.
• BBQs and campfires: Please DON'T light fires or use disposable barbeques at Loch Doon - any heat on the ground can start a peat fire, and the smallest spark can create a wildfire in minutes. If you have to cook, please use suitable camping stoves and keep away from vegetation when you do so.

Loch Doon is very deep, very cold and has strong currents. Even on a hot day in summer it's very easy to get cold water shock - which can klll very quickly.

Setting off

Before you set off to kayak, paddleboard, sail, swim or fish make sure you've checked the wind and water conditions, An offshore wind can get you into trouble very quickly and should be avoided. There's always another day if conditions aren't right.

• Always wear appropriate gear - wetsuit flotation device, lifejacket, swim float and use a leash if you're on a paddleboard. Wear bright clothing which is easily seen
• Where possible take your mobile phone in a waterproof case, but be aware there may be areas where a signal is not possible.
• Make sure you have warm clothing food and water available and the means to dry quickly and heat up afterwards.
• Around the shores of Loch Doon there are numerous water safety devices and a defbrilloator at the Round House. Check out their locations before you take to the water.

Before you set off to have fun in and around the water make please:

• Be aware of cold water shock
• Keep off all frozen waters
• Check for safety signage and equipment
• Avoid alcohol and drugs
• The depth of the water may hide underwater ledges, hidden currents and unseen items
• Be aware of other water activities
• If it is safe to enter the water, ensure you have a safe way out
• At the coast, consider rip currents, wind and tide
• At Loch Doon please be aware of the currents caused by weirs and dams

While you're in or on the water

Remember Loch water is deep with strong currents and very cold beneath the surface. Don't attempt water activities unless you are experienced and have suitable training for your activity. If you're paddleboarding, sailing or kayaking enrol for some of the many training sessions on offer through RNLI, East Ayrshire Council and sailling clubs around the country.

Always keep an eye on conditions - it may be sunny and warm when you set off but conditions and wind direction can change rapidly. Know your capabilities and stick within them.

If you see someone in trouble

• DO NOT enter the water
• Look for a throw line or life ring to help whilst you wait on the emergency services
• Call 999 or 112

If you are in trouble in the water

• float until you feel calm
• Lean back, extend your arms and legs
• Float until you can control your breathing
• Call for help or swim to safety