The climbing tower, zip wire and giant swing at Loch Ken

Dumfries and Galloway

Loch Ken – a Climbing Tower, a Zip Wire and the Giant Swing

A few hours.

The route

The Galloway Activity Centre sits on the shore of Loch Ken, and its half-day climbing session packs in a 25-foot climbing tower and a zip wire down from the top.

Then comes the Giant 3G Swing, 40 feet high and the biggest in Scotland by the centre's own account. Instructors teach you the basics first, and every challenge is yours to take as far as you like. It's a great morning for families and groups who want to try a bit of everything.

Before you go

Book accommodation nearby
If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.
PortpatrickWren's NestSleeps 2 42 miles awayRose Blair LodgeSleeps 2 42 miles awayHeritage Coachman LodgeSleeps 4 42 miles awayFern Forest HouseSleeps 6
Book Climbing and High Ropes at the Galloway Activity Centre
Book the half-day Climbing and High Ropes session at the Galloway Activity Centre online or on 01556 502011 before you go, 9am to noon or 1pm to 4pm, £65 a head at the time of writing, paid when booking and not refundable; ask about ages for the tower when you ring.

The day

Loch Ken

Three hours on the tower and the swing with an instructor, a whizz down the zip wire, then brownies in the clubhouse by the loch.

About three and a half hours

Galloway Activity Centre
The Galloway Activity Centre is on Loch Ken at Parton, 10 miles north of Castle Douglas on the A713 (DG7 3NQ). From Monday to Saturday the 520 bus from outside Castle Douglas swimming pool drops you at the top of the drive. The half-day Climbing and High Ropes session runs from 9am to noon or from 1pm to 4pm, all year, rain or shine, and costs £65 a head at the time of writing. An instructor teaches you the basics on the 25-foot climbing tower, with three challenges: crate climbing, Jacob's Ladder and the Leap of Faith from the top of a pole. A zip wire brings you down from the top. The session also includes the 40-foot Giant 3G Swing, winched up in twos and threes, with two swings each. Book and pay ahead: bookings are binding and there are no refunds. Wear old outdoor clothes and trainers and bring waterproofs. The swing suits anyone who fits a harness, from 3 to over 80, but ring 01556 502011 about ages for the tower. Afterwards, the Waterfront Café in the glass-fronted clubhouse does breakfasts, refreshments and home-made brownies.