This circular walk starts at the ferry slip on Iona and visits several idyllic white sandy beaches (have your camera at the ready!). The return is via more challenging terrain involving faint trails on moorland cliff-tops which lead you to the Bay at the Back of the Ocean and Iona Golf Course. … More Walk 211 – Isle of Iona, North Circuit – 6 miles
An extended version of the popular 3.7 mile Falls of Clyde walk. Starting in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark, follow the Clyde Walkway through a scenic nature reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The highlight of the walk is the spectacular waterfalls along the river gorge, including the well-photographed Corra Linn: the largest in Britain by volume of water. The return route takes you along peaceful woodland trails down the west bank of the River Clyde and into Kirkfieldbank, then through Castlebank Park. … More Walk 210 – The Falls of Clyde Circular Walk, New Lanark – 7 miles
The Pass of Killiecrankie and Faskally Forest in Perthshire are two of the best places in Scotland to enjoy a stunning display of autumn colours and this circular route takes you through both! … More Walk 209 – Killiecrankie & Faskally Forest Circular – 10 miles
This walk takes you around the perimeter of Glenafton Reservoir just outside New Cumnock. On a still day the water creates stunning reflections of the surrounding hills and forests so remember to take your camera! … More Walk 207 – Afton Dam Circular – 5 miles
A fairly challenging linear walk taking in the first (or last in my case!) section of the River Ayr Way as well as an ascent of Cairn Table (1945 ft / 593 m), the most prominent hill in East Ayrshire. … More Walk 205 – River Ayr Way (Wellwood to Glenbuck Loch via Cairn Table) – 13.7 miles
Bargany Gardens are location approximately 4.5 miles inland from Girvan. The owners of this private estate open the gardens up to the public each May which is the perfect time of year to witness them in full springtime glory. The gardens comprise 50 acres of mature woodland, known for its colourful rhododendrons and huge fir trees. Within the gardens you will also find a picture-perfect boating pond, a walled garden with cherry tree orchard, a rock garden, various pagodas and a hidden formal lawn. … More Walk 204 – Bargany Gardens, near Girvan
Set in the heart of the Angus Glens within the Cairngorms National Park, a walk through Glen Doll offers the perfect balance of forest trails and breath-taking mountain scenery. Follow the course of the energetic White Water into the forest, emerging at the far end to a wide open vista, then cross the burn and return to the start on forestry trails along the other side of the water. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, red squirrels, roe deer and pine marten within the forest, and on the craggy hillsides high above you might spot a golden eagle, buzzard or peregrine falcon. Binoculars and cameras at the ready! … More Walk 202 – Glen Doll Forest Trail, Angus – 5 miles
A peaceful countryside stroll on the hilly farmland behind the hamlet of Kirkton near Glamis, Angus. This is an easy walk on good tracks and quiet roads, can be boggy at times. A gentle uphill gradient at first, the reward being fine views across the farmland towards Kinnettles Castle and the Cairngorms National Park. … More Walk 201 – Kirkton of Kinnettles Circular, Angus – 4 miles
There are 11 cairns to discover within the Balmoral Estate. The cairns were commissioned by Queen Victoria to commemorate the marriages of her children and the largest was erected in memory of her husband Price Albert following his death. This short walk takes in two of the cairns – Princess Beatrice’s Cairn and Prince Albert’s Cairn (aka “the pyramid”!) A beautiful forestry trail awaits, and after a fairly steady walk uphill you will reach the summit of Creag an Lurachain (442 m /1450 ft) where the pyramid sits. A steeper but shorter descent follows, and a very lovely suspension bridge crossing. Optional de-tour to Crathie Kirk – regular place of worship of the British Royal Family. … More Walk 200 – Prince Albert’s Pyramid, Balmoral – 4 miles
A circular route to the 18th century arches of the Fyrish Monument. After a short distance my route leaves the busy Jubilee Path to make a gradual ascent up the shoulder of Cnoc Fyrish. From here you can enjoy spectacular views south across the Cromarty Firth to the oil riggs at Nigg and over to the mountains of the Northwest Highlands. The monument itself is a true work of art and forms a significant part of local history. It can be seen from miles around but nothing can prepare you for the scale of it once you are up close! My return route takes you through an area of mature forestry teeming with wildlife. … More Walk 195 – Fyrish Monument, Ross-shire – 4.4 miles
Gillian's Walks 