Category: East Ayrshire

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.

Walk 162 – Ness Glen, Loch Doon – 1.8 miles

January 4, 2018

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

Walk 137 – River Ayr Way (Catrine to Sorn loop) – 4.6 miles

May 20, 2017

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. Enjoy the view across to the majestic fourteenth century Sorn Castle, a bespoke wedding venue and home to the McIntyres. On reaching Sorn, cross the ‘Auld Brig’ before passing through part of the village and into the “Spooky Woods”. The return route to Catrine is via Chapel Brae, a pleasant single track road.  It passes Catrine War Memorial, from which you will be rewarded with fine views down to the village.  … More Walk 137 – River Ayr Way (Catrine to Sorn loop) – 4.6 miles

Walk 135 – Up the Bankers, Roon the Darvel Mast – 6 miles

May 13, 2017

A delightful loop across the quiet hillsides behind Darvel in the Irvine Valley, mostly along minor roads with short sections on gravel or earth tracks. It starts by following the Long Cairn Walk before branching off in the opposite direction to climb the Changue Road, or ‘mast road’. Here there is the option to walk to the Darvel transmitter mast before ending the walk by passing through the ancient woodlands of the Lanfine Estate.  … More Walk 135 – Up the Bankers, Roon the Darvel Mast – 6 miles

Walk 134 – Jacob’s Ladder, Newmilns – 4 miles

May 12, 2017

Jacob’s Ladder is a steep stone staircase set within a narrow alleyway between Kilnholm Street and Loudoun Crescent in Newmilns. It provides walkers with a shortcut to access the multitude of pleasant backroads on the hillside above the village. This route is one short example of the many loops which can be enjoyed after climbing the ladder!  … More Walk 134 – Jacob’s Ladder, Newmilns – 4 miles

Walk 119 – The Craigie Loop – 6.7 miles

March 26, 2017

On a clear day you will enjoy fantastic views as far as Ben Lomond on this walk! After an initial short section within the residential area of Shortlees in Kilmarnock, the route quickly heads out into the Ayrshire countryside where you remain for approximately 6 miles passing several working farms and through the village of Craigie. The entire walk is along quiet country roads however it is pretty hilly (promise it is all downhill after Craigie!) … More Walk 119 – The Craigie Loop – 6.7 miles

Walk 101 – Dean Castle Country Park from Dean Road, Kilmarnock – 1 mile

January 1, 2017

This route avoids the sections of the park currently closed for development. You will pass the park’s iconic waterfall, the (relatively) new pinetum, graveyard of Lord Howard De Walden, the stone lions, the Dean Castle itself and the deer park. A scenic and popular woodland walk! … More Walk 101 – Dean Castle Country Park from Dean Road, Kilmarnock – 1 mile

Walk 95 – Blackcraig Hill, East Ayrshire – 3.6 miles

November 6, 2016

Blackcraig Hill, close to New Cumnock, is the highest peak in the area (700 m / 2296 ft) and on a clear day you will be rewarded with simply stunning views from the top. With no obvious footpath to follow, some navigation skills are required, particularly in poor visibility. The route described below is a straightforward gentle ascent on mostly grassy ground with a few craggy sections to look out for. … More Walk 95 – Blackcraig Hill, East Ayrshire – 3.6 miles

Walk 92 – Dumfries House Estate, Cumnock – 1.6 miles

October 10, 2016

An absolutely brilliant day out for the whole family! Although the walk itself is short at just over a mile and a half, there is so much to see and do at Dumfries House that you can easily spend several hours. Take a picnic or take advantage of the onsite cafe. Highlights include the Engineering Centre, large kids play area, arboretum, walled garden and the stunning Dumfries House itself. Look out for all the quirky features around the Estate that make it truly unique! … More Walk 92 – Dumfries House Estate, Cumnock – 1.6 miles

Walk 91 – River Irvine Walk, Crookedholm – 2 miles

October 9, 2016

A pleasant circular walk beginning in the woodland area along the River Irvine between Crookedholm and Milton Road, Kilmarnock. The route then continues along quiet country roads, passing the former Crookedholm Primary School building, with the final section taking you through the village of Crookedholm itself to return to the starting point. … More Walk 91 – River Irvine Walk, Crookedholm – 2 miles

Walk 83 -Traverse of Whitelee Windfarm: Ardochrig to Visitor Centre – 15.3 miles

July 31, 2016

This route shows off the scale and diversity of Whitelee, the UK’s largest onshore windfarm. It crosses from one side of the site to the other, passing through it’s less visited areas, many of which are rich in forestry. You will stand on the highest point in East Renfrewshire (Corse Hill), visit a WWII hurricane crash site, pass an active quarry, and even visit a memorial enclosure! Keep a lookout for dragonflies, small birds, woodland mammals and birds of prey. … More Walk 83 -Traverse of Whitelee Windfarm: Ardochrig to Visitor Centre – 15.3 miles

Walk 79 -The Craigs Farm Estate, Glen Afton – 1.2 miles

July 14, 2016

A short walk to an ‘adopted/dedicated tree area’ in the picturesque Glen Afton, surrounded by some of Ayrshire’s finest hills. Using a mixture of surfaced roads, stony farm tracks and grassy footpaths, you will cross the Afton Water and Craig Burn. Look out for wild blueberries, caterpillars and frogs if you are there in Summer! … More Walk 79 -The Craigs Farm Estate, Glen Afton – 1.2 miles

Walk 77 – Sir Alexander Fleming Loop, Darvel – 6 miles

July 13, 2016

A very pleasant loop through open farmland behind the village of Darvel, passing the birthplace of Sir Alexander Fleming. Surfaced minor roads the whole way, it is an easy walk although it is pretty hilly. The advantage of this being the beautiful views you will be rewarded with for almost the entire walk! … More Walk 77 – Sir Alexander Fleming Loop, Darvel – 6 miles