Enjoy Loch Doon
We all love Loch Doon, it's wild, full of nature, fabulous scenery and plenty of scope for walking, cycling, camping, fishing, swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding - a great place to chill and enjoy the great outdoors. We're lucky to have such a special place on our doorsteps. BUT it's also a fragile environment, where our own activities have an impact on plants, animals the landscape and the enjoyment and peace of mind of others.
That's why before you go, please think carefully about what you do while you are there.
Every year we face issues with wildfires, accidents on the water and mess and litter left behind by inconsiderate visitors - this all takes its toll on wildlife and the natural habitat and the people who live and work in the area.
We know that many campers and visitors ARE responsible. They stick to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and do their best to "leave no trace", but sadly a minority aren't. We've had fires started by dropped cigarettes, campfires and discarded glass bottles, trees cut down for firewood and animals affected by discarded litter.
As a result East Ayrshire Council is proposing to implement enforceable bylaws, meaning camping is restricted to certain areas and is by permit only. On this page you can find out all about what you CAN and CAN'T do, to help make your time at this beautiful spot enjoyable both for you and for everyone else who visits.
Camping byelaws consultation
To help keep Loch Doon a beautiful, unspoilt and healthy environment for all those who live work and visit, and in response to calls from local residents, visitors and workers, we've launched a consultation on our proposed enforceable byelaws. By introducing these byelaws we will be able to specify which areas are safe and suitable for camping, protecting the area from unnecessary damage and antisocial behaviour. This consultatation runs until 6 November 2026 and we'd like everyone who has an interest in the area to tell us what you think.
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In 2025, firefighters spent more than 100 days responding to more than 230 separate wildfires across Scotland, including the summer wildfire at Dava Moor which was one of the largest ever recorded in the country.
In response to the 2025 wildfire season, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has invested in equipment, including four new wildfire support units with enhanced equipment in Alford, Oban, Galashiels and Dornoch, two new wildfire units in Lockerbie and Thurso.
SFRS Head of Prevention and Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, Kenny Barbour, explains more about what firefighters are doing to address the growing wildfire concern and tips for what you can do to prevent wildfires when enjoying the outdoors.
Visit firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/wildfires to find tips for wildfire prevention and what to do when you spot a wildfire.
