There is another, more challenging option for this route which cuts across a number of fields on a public right of way, instead of using the Grassyards Road. It is slightly shorter but more uneven underfoot with several stiles to cross.
Car parking available next to the Tesco store, Glasgow Rd, Kilmarnock (KA3 1UT). Rather than using the supermarket car park, use the area beside the row of shops/takeaways, close to the Glasgow Road/B7038. Closest train station is in Kilmarnock, 1.5 miles away. Local bus service from Kilmarnock down centre and buses to/from Glasgow stop on Glasgow Road, at the start of the walking route.
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From the car park next to the Tesco supermarket, head across the grass verge and onto the pavement of Glasgow Road/B7038. Turn left (North East) and walk along the pavement for 450m until you see a single track road on your right, signposted “Borland” (street name on the map is Meikle Road). Cross the Glasgow Road onto Borland. You’ll cross the Fenwick Water then the road will start to go uphill. Near the top of the hill there is a crossroads – continue ahead (East) past the brown access information sign. The road takes you onto the A77 flyover. 140m beyond the flyover, turn left (North East), following signs for “Borland Lane walking and bike trails”. This takes you into Craufurdland woods. At the end of the long, tree-lined track turn right (South East). This woodland trail brings you out onto the main road in the Estate. Turn left (North East) and walk along the road, passing the fishing loch and the Laird’s Table cafe, and continuing to leave the Craufurdland Estate via the gated entrance. Turn right (South East) on Waterslap and follow the road for 1km. At the end of the road turn right (South West) onto the Grassyards Road (signposted “Kilmarnock”). After 1.5km, turn right (North West) onto Wardlaw Road (note the triangular signpost for “Ford” near the start of this road). Continue along Wardlaw Road until you reach a ford. Cross the ford via the footbridge then continue along the road for 800m, walking beneath the A77 flyover on the way. Turn right (North) at the end of the road junction. This takes you back to the crossroads you were at earlier, at the bottom of “Borland”. Turn left (South West) and retrace your steps back to the car park.
WALK REPORT: 20th April 2016
A few weeks ago I wrote about the Three Parks Loop which was the night I joined a group of ladies who go out every Wednesday evening. Today it was my turn to show them a route and I wanted to take them away from the town and it’s popular country parks and show them somewhere (hopefully) new. I actually did a similar route a few days ago with my son to check that it would be ok in terms of distance and that the underfoot conditions were good. On the night we choose to ditch the grassy farmland and it’s many stiles and stick to the country roads for the return leg of the loop. We were very lucky with the weather, it was arguably the best day this year so far: blue sky, sunshine, I seem to remember some of us walking in t-shirts actually!
I think everyone enjoyed it…! I certainly loved playing tour guide. In fact, I was having so much fun that I forgot to take photos – the ones you see here are borrowed from my other walks in the area… I regret not having one of the group though, sorry ladies! But thank you for your great company 🙂
