Walks in East Ayrshire. This region includes the towns of Kilmarnock (birthplace of Johnnie Walker whisky), Cumnock, Muirkirk and Mauchline (home to Robert Burns for almost 40 years), as well as fantastic river valleys like the Doon Valley and Irvine Valley. One half of the River Ayr Way (one of Scotland’s Great Trails) stretches across East Ayrshire from Glenbuck Loch to Failford.
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
Get up close to Craufurdland Castle on this delightful short circular walk through the Estate’s woodland and forest plantations. … More Walk 225 – Castle View Trail, Craufurdland Estate, Kilmarnock – 1.4 miles
A linear route starting at the south end of Kilmarnock and ending at Dundonald Castle. The first section takes you through Caprington Woods and past Caprington Castle then through the pretty hamlet of Earlston. From here on enjoy easy walking in quiet countryside all the way to Dundonald. … More Walk 221 – Kilmarnock to Dundonald – 6.5 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
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
A pleasant short walk along quiet country roads and the NCN73 cycle path, starting in the village of Knockentiber. … More Walk 212 – Knockentiber Circular – 2.5 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
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
Starting at Dewaldens Garden Centre in Kilmarnock, this route first crosses Caprington Golf Course and then makes use of paved roads and paths to reach the 95 acre Coodham Estate just outside Symington. Take time to explore the Estate’s many interesting features and paths including the lake, mansion, shrine and graveyard, before starting the walk back to Kilmarnock via the high road past Stafflar Farm. A few short busy sections to be aware of – see route info for details. Option to extend past Caprington Castle to form an 8 mile loop. … More Walk 197 – Coodham Estate from Kilmarnock – 6.2 miles
A peaceful walk following the River Irvine between Kilmarnock and Gatehead, returning via the beautiful Caprington Woods and castle. … More Walk 196 – Kilmarnock to Gatehead Circular – 5.3 miles
A delightful short walk taking in some of Kilmaurs’ best bits, including Morton Park and the war memorial, St Maurs-Glencairn Parish Church, the remains of “Penny Bridge” and the impressive toolbooth known as the Jougs. It is actually much more of a countryside trail than its name suggests, including several field crossings. Wellies sometimes advisable! … More Walk 189 – Kilmaurs Town Trail – 1.6 miles
A scenic and varied circular walk which follows the Annick Water on it’s journey through Stewarton, as well as taking in some residential areas and quiet roads. You will experience the town’s popular Lainshaw Woods, beautifully maintained by a dedicated volunteer group – Stewarton Woodlands Action Trust. … More Walk 187 – Lainshaw Woods & the Annick Water, Stewarton – 4.6 miles
This easy walk takes advantage of the country roads around Kilmaurs to form a loop passing several of the village’s largest farms, including High Langmuir, Laigh Langmuir, Knocklandside and Busbie Mains. The final section takes you along the traffic-free NCN73 cycle path and returns to Kilmaurs via the B751/Crosshouse Road. … More Walk 175 – Kilmaurs Farm Walk – 5.2 miles
Starting at Craufurdland Fishery, this route follows a recently created off-road path to Fenwick before using a series of country roads to reach the village’s main street. Roadside pavements lead you back out of Fenwick and into Craufurdland Woods via a suspension bridge. The final section through the woods can be particularly muddy so you may wish to do the walk in reverse to get it out the way first! … More Walk 169 – Fenwick and the Snowdrop Walk – 4 miles
Gillian's Walks 