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 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 197 – Coodham Estate from Kilmarnock – 6.2 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

Walk 185 – Cornish Hill & its Loch – 3.4 miles

A brilliant and fairly easy circular walk from the Stinchar Bridge to the top of Cornish Hill, returning via the secluded and peaceful Cornish Loch. A good path the whole way, boggy in places. Fantastic views on a clear day! Parking at Stinchar Bridge car park, Straiton to Bargrennan Road. No public transport to start … More Walk 185 – Cornish Hill & its Loch – 3.4 miles

Walk 178 – Ayr Gorge Woodlands Reserve, Failford – 3.5 miles

Ayr Gorge Woodlands Reserve is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Scottish Wildlife Trust Ayrshire. Follow the path of the River Ayr as it flows through a deep red sandstone gorge. This circular / figure-of-eight route takes you around most of the main trails, giving you the opportunity to explore this beautiful ancient woodland including the popular viewpoint at Peden’s Cove. … More Walk 178 – Ayr Gorge Woodlands Reserve, Failford – 3.5 miles

Walk 174 – Kirstie’s Trail, Barr

Beautifully scenic forestry tracks take you along to Kirstie’s Cairn, a memorial to young local farmer Christopher McTaggart who lost his life there in a blizzard in 1913. An easy walk which can either be 4 or 6 miles return depending on your start point. Instead why not form a loop and experience the famous Fairy Knowe Trail whilst you are there?  Or head up to High Changue on the Devil’s Trail for incredible views down the valley?  … More Walk 174 – Kirstie’s Trail, Barr

Walk 171 – Old Auchans House, Dundonald – 2.2 miles

Wandering though this delightful woodland, the impressive remains of Old Auchans House seem to appear out of nowhere.  Now a category ‘A’ listed building, the mansion dates back to the 16th century and has been home to the Wallace, Cochrane and Montgomerie families over the years. There are two circular route options detailed below, both of which start and end at Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre. … More Walk 171 – Old Auchans House, Dundonald – 2.2 miles

Walk 170 – Barony Hill & the Quarry – 7 miles

Rural south Ayrshire at it’s best! Even the drive to the start of this walk is scenic and will leave you desperate to park up and head out! Awaiting you lie quiet country roads, muddy farm tracks and a steep ascent to the fantastic viewpoint atop Barony Hill (310m/1017ft). There is even an optional de-tour to visit the hidden remains of a impressive disused quarry and limekilns.  … More Walk 170 – Barony Hill & the Quarry – 7 miles

Walk 164 – Brown Carrick Hill & The Ayrshire Coast – 8.2 miles

A combination of lowland hills and rocky coastlines: perfection in a walk! Starting in the picture-perfect fishing village of Dunure in south west Scotland, you will wind your way up into the Carrick Hills before descending to sea level to return to the beginning via one of the most stunning and rugged sections of the Ayrshire Coastal Path. On a clear day you will enjoy spectacular panoramic coastal views from the summit of Brown Carrick Hill (287 m / 941 ft): the best vantage point in the area! … More Walk 164 – Brown Carrick Hill & The Ayrshire Coast – 8.2 miles

Walk 159 – Lindsayston Walk, Dailly – 2.6 miles

Also known as the curling stone walk, this loop in the Dailly countryside follows the course of the Lindsayston Burn through quirky woodland and a tricky area of felled trees before returning to the start via quiet country roads. Enjoy views as far as Ailsa Craig on a clear day, as well as across the farmland towards the ruins of the impressive Dalquharran Castle. … More Walk 159 – Lindsayston Walk, Dailly – 2.6 miles