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.
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
There is something mystical, if a little eerie about the woodlands of Craufurdland Estate and it is my new favourite place to explore! This short 1.6 mile circuit takes you around some of it’s trails, avoiding the worst of the mud (still expect lots!), and along a high-level footpath above the Fenwick Water. … More Walk 165 – Craufurdland Woodland Trail, Kilmarnock – 1.6 miles
Hidden in a small woodland, discover one of the most extensive areas of ring and cup marks ever found in the UK. Then take a short walk along the River Ayr to the impressive Ballochmyle Viaduct. It is the highest masonry railway viaduct in Britain and even featured in a scene in the movie Mission: Impossible! Being on the Failford to Catrine section of the River Ayr Way means that you can extend the walk in either direction should you wish. Mostly earth footpaths and minor roads with one short section of uneven, boggy ground. … More Walk 163 – Ballochmyle Viaduct from Catrine – 3.7 miles
An astonishingly beautiful short walk through a deep wooded glen following the River Doon as it begins it’s journey between Loch Doon and the Firth of Clyde at Doonfoot, Ayr. Expect waterfalls a-plenty! Form a loop by returning to the start via the hill path. The footpaths are uneven and narrow in places and you can expect boggy conditions on the hill path. Be sure to take a camera as there are MANY photo opportunities! … More Walk 162 – Ness Glen, Loch Doon – 1.8 miles
Gillian's Walks 