Loch | Castle | Forest A walk from Nithbank

Dabton Loch, Morton Castle & Froggy Lane

7 miles of glorious Scottish countryside and spectacular views

Outwith the gates of Nithbank into the woodland and take the path to Dabton Lane.

After about half a mile you’ll reach Dabton Loch, situated on the edge of the Dabton Estate, it sits in tranquil and secluded surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll around the loch via the forest paths.

The route then ascends to Morton Castle via quiet lanes and forest tracks, its not easily found but known well by locals.

The Ruinous Morton Castle enjoys a superb situation built on a strong site by the side of the loch, Morton Castle consists of a ruined 15th-century tower or altered hall-house, and a triangular courtyard, although little remains of two sides. The two-storey hall-house, which contained a hall over a basement, stands on the third side, and has a round corner tower at one end.

The castle was used as a location in the 1978 version of The Thirty-Nine Steps with Robert Powell.

It is a stunning and tranquil place and memorable to many who visit.

From Morton, you can take the long track to the lane called Burn Brae where you will decend towards Thornhill village, taking in the splendid views towards Drumlanrig Castle and Tynron Doon.

On reaching Thornhill Golf Club you will turn onto Froggy Lane, a quiet tree lined track which will take you back to Dabton Loch and then onward, to return to Nithbank for a well earned cup of tea and a slice of homemade shortbread.