Loch Ken
Loch Ken is 9-mile long freshwater loch in Kirkcudbrightshire, fed by the Water of Ken.
The loch lies in the Glenkens, where it is fed from the north by the Water of Ken and from the west by the River Dee. The loch narrows considerably at it southern end, its waters becoming a river the Dee, flowing south from Glenlochar. At Glenlochar is the Glenlochar Barrage, which regulates the river's flow as part of the Galloway hydro-electric power scheme, and marks the end of the loch.
Villages around Loch Ken include Glenlochar at the south, Laurieston and Mossdale on the west side of the loch, and Crossmichael and Parton on the east. The village of New Galloway lies one mile to its north. The parish church of Balmaghie is also by the loch.
Loch Ken is used recreationally for water skiing, fishing, and sailing, with Glenlaggan Lodges and Loch Ken Marina catering to visitors.
A railway viaduct, once part of the Portpatrick Railway crosses the loch at Boat o' Rhone, but is now disused.
Loch Ken and River Dee Marshes were designated a Ramsar site on in 1992.
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