The Water of Ken is a river in Galloway, south-west Scotland. It rises on Blacklorg Hill, north-east of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn in the Carsphairn hills, and flows south-westward into the Glenkens valley, passing through Carsfad and Earlstoun lochs, both of which are dammed to supply the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme. From there, the river flows south, passing St. John's Town of Dalry and New Galloway, before widening to form the 11-mile long Loch Ken.