Walk 228 – Barony A Frame to Dumfries House Estate – 3 miles

Take yourself back to a time when coal mining was the main industry in this part of East Ayrshire with a visit to the Barony A Frame. The walk down into the Dumfries House Estate is only 1.5 miles away and gives you the opportunity to enjoy open views across the grassy farmland towards the neighbouring villages. … More Walk 228 – Barony A Frame to Dumfries House Estate – 3 miles

Walk 226 – Ayrshire Coastal Path – Glenapp to Ballantrae via clifftops (9.5 miles)

A spectacular way to begin the Ayrshire Coastal Path! Head uphill from Glenapp enjoying the views across Loch Ryan, north to Ailsa Craig and on a clear day as far as Northern Ireland. Count how many pheasants you see! You’ll then head down to remote Currarie Port where you have the chance to spot some seals, before embarking on an incredible high level cliff-top hike. This section of coastline is home to a wide variety of bird life and depending when you visit you might spot eagles, cormorants, yellow wagtails, gannets, oystercatchers and more. Don’t forget binoculars and a camera! … More Walk 226 – Ayrshire Coastal Path – Glenapp to Ballantrae via clifftops (9.5 miles)

Walk 223 – Irvine Dunes Circular – 2.7 miles

An easy, short circular walk at Irvine Beach, located less than an hour from Glasgow. The route takes advantage of the sheltered trails behind the sand dunes, which you might find lined with summer roses or purple heather depending on the season. I recommend paying a visit to the dragon viewpoint along the way for a stunning panorama of the Ayrshire coastline and Isle of Arran! Return via the golden sands of Irvine Beach, popular with horse riders. Go at dawn or dusk to enjoy a spectacular sunset and hundreds of rabbits in the Beach Park! … More Walk 223 – Irvine Dunes Circular – 2.7 miles

Walk 218 – Commoncraig & The Wee Glen, Dunlop – 2.9 miles

A beautiful short walk in the quiet Dunlop countryside. Starting with the Commoncraig Wood’s bubbling burn and bench with a view, a short hop over a stile takes you along the road to the impressive Dunlop House. The route returns to the village via the recently upgraded Wee Glen. … More Walk 218 – Commoncraig & The Wee Glen, Dunlop – 2.9 miles

Walk 217 – Minnie Gemmell’s Loop, Dunlop – 2 miles

A village favourite, this short circular walk begins at Dunlop Train Station and takes you through the conservation area of the village to Dunlop Kirk before heading out into the countryside. An adventure through the Millenium Woods is next, en route to the ruins of Templehouse where Minnie Gemmell once lived. Return to the village via quiet tracks and country lanes, past the former cricket lawn. … More Walk 217 – Minnie Gemmell’s Loop, Dunlop – 2 miles

Walk 204 – Bargany Gardens, near Girvan

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

Walk 199 – Blue Bonnet Trails, Ayr & Alloway

The Blue Bonnet Trails are made up of the 3 mile Tam’s Trail and the 1.5 mile Alloway Trail. They follow the journey taken from Ayr Town Centre to Alloway by Tam o’ Shanter as recounted in one of the most famous poems ever written by Rabbie Burns. As you walk the trails look out for the blue bonnet way markers. The route described in the post below is 7.5 miles in total and takes in both trails with the addition of a loop back into Ayr via the beautiful promenade. … More Walk 199 – Blue Bonnet Trails, Ayr & Alloway

Walk 198 – Stewarton to Dunlop – 7.4 miles

A lovely peaceful walk between the two East Ayrshire villages of Stewarton and Dunlop. After a short section through Lainshaw Woods the remainder of the walk uses quiet single track roads before an optional de-tour through the Millennium Woodland Nature Park in Dunlop. There are a few hills on this route, the reward being stunning views across to the Isle of Arran, Ailsa Craig and north to Ben Lomond if it is a clear day! … More Walk 198 – Stewarton to Dunlop – 7.4 miles