Top Walks for the Festive Season

raindrops dripping from a pine tree

There’s always so much going on in the lead up to Christmas that going for a walk can often be the last thing on your to-do list. And if you’re anything like me, come Boxing Day cabin fever is setting in and you NEED to get out. Here are my suggestions for walks you might enjoy over the festive season, whether you’re looking for some well deserved “me time” or a route to do with friends and family.

Click the photos for more info on each route.

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SMALL HILL WALKS

CORNISH HILL TRAIL – SOUTH AYRSHIRE (3.4 miles)

A brilliant and fairly easy circular walk from the Stinchar Bridge to the top of Cornish Hill, returning via the secluded and peaceful Cornish Loch.

Waterfall gushing from Cornish Loch, surrounded by mountains.



WEST LOMOND AND THE RESERVOIRS – FIFE (4.7 MILES)
Climb up to the highest point in Fife on this incredibly scenic circular walk. 
Farm tracks leading towards the Lomond Hills


DUMGOYNE – CAMPSIES (2.6 miles)

It may be a small hill at 427m (1401ft), but it certainly packs a punch and makes for a very rewarding climb!
Looking onto Dumgoyne Hill from its base

WALKS WITH WATERFALLS

LYNN GLEN, DALRY, NORTH AYRSHIRE (1.3 miles)
This tranquil wooded glen is packed with unexpected ‘fairy’ surprises and waterfalls. Perfect for families.
Waterfall on the Caaf Water, Lynn Glen


FAIRLIE GLENS & WATERFALLS CIRCULAR (4.3 miles)
One of the most popular routes on my website, it offers the opportunity to visit some fantastic hidden waterfalls for those who don’t mind some rougher terrain.
Waterfall in Fairlie Glen


FALLS OF CLYDE CIRCULAR WALK , NEW LANARK (7 miles)
An extended version of the popular 3.7 mile Falls of Clyde walk (details of that also available via this link), the highlight is the spectacular waterfalls along the river gorge. The circular walk offers views of the falls you don’t see from the “there & back” option and is especially recommended when the river is in spate.
Falls of Clyde in spate

WOODLAND WALKS


AYR GORGE WOODLANDS – SOUTH AYRSHIRE (1.5 mile or 3 mile option)
The ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Scottish Wildlife Trust Ayrshire


CATRINE TO SORN – EAST AYRSHIRE (4.6 miles)

Following the River Ayr Way along a pleasant woodland trail to Sorn, you will walk through the Catrine Voes and Woodlands Local Nature Reserve and past the historical Catrine Weir.

RED SQUIRREL TRAIL, DEVILLA – FIFE (1.7 miles)
Take a short walk around this peaceful forest between Kincardine and Dunfermline.

COASTAL WALKS


ARDROSSSAN T0 PORTENCROSS – NORTH AYRSHIRE (6.5 miles)
Plenty of beach-walking and the potential for some incredible views across the Firth of Clyde to Arran

SHORE ROAD – FIFE (2.8 or 4 mile options)
The Shore Road runs along the Firth of Forth and on a clear day you will be able to make out the illustrious skyline of the Grangemouth Refinery.

TROON BALLAST BANK – SOUTH AYRSHIRE (2 miles)
This walk is a little different and you will be treated to spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde on a clear day.

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