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Country road between Stewarton and Dunlop

Walk 198 – Stewarton to Dunlop – 7.4 miles

April 5, 2021

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

Coodham House seen from across the loch

Walk 197 – Coodham Estate from Kilmarnock – 6.2 miles

April 1, 2021

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

Fyrish Monument

Walk 195 – Fyrish Monument, Ross-shire – 4.4 miles

February 5, 2021

A circular route to the 18th century arches of the Fyrish Monument. After a short distance my route leaves the busy Jubilee Path to make a gradual ascent up the shoulder of Cnoc Fyrish. From here you can enjoy spectacular views south across the Cromarty Firth to the oil riggs at Nigg and over to the mountains of the Northwest Highlands. The monument itself is a true work of art and forms a significant part of local history. It can be seen from miles around but nothing can prepare you for the scale of it once you are up close! My return route takes you through an area of mature forestry teeming with wildlife. … More Walk 195 – Fyrish Monument, Ross-shire – 4.4 miles

Looking down Glen Orrin to Luipmaldrig bothy

Walk 194 – Glen Orrin from Strathconon, Ross-shire – 8.5 miles

November 8, 2020

A fantastic circular walk starting at Inverchoran Bridge in the Strathconon Estate, from where you will head into the scenic and remote Glen Orrin to Luipmaldrig bothy. The return section is via a spectacularly scenic hill pass. This is the perfect day out if you want to feel deep in the mountains of the Scottish Highlands without going too high. … More Walk 194 – Glen Orrin from Strathconon, Ross-shire – 8.5 miles

View of windfarm, loch and surrounding hills

Walk 193 – Glen Sherup Horseshoe, The Ochils – 9.8 miles

November 1, 2020

Taking in the rolling summits of Innerdownie, Whitewisp Hill, Tarmangie Hill and – optionally – Ben Shee, this circular walk on the southern edge of Perth & Kinross offers a mixture of forest trails and open grassy hillside. It is best experienced on a clear day when the views can be appreciated to their fullest. … More Walk 193 – Glen Sherup Horseshoe, The Ochils – 9.8 miles

Walk 191 – Fairlie Glens and Waterfalls Circular – 4.3 miles

September 3, 2020

On a clear day the views from this route are simply outstanding: the islands of Cumbrae & Arran and the pink sandy beaches at Fairlie and Hunterston. A variety of woodland paths, tracks and grassy hillsides lead you gently uphill past the remains of Fairlie Castle and along the base of Black Hill. The return section follows the Fairlie Moor Road and then the Ayrshire Coastal Path. There is the opportunity to visit some fantastic hidden waterfalls along the route if you don’t mind some slightly rougher terrain for a few minutes! … More Walk 191 – Fairlie Glens and Waterfalls Circular – 4.3 miles

Walk 190 – Lynn Glen, Dalry – 1.3 miles

August 18, 2020

This short circular walk around the Caaf Water is packed with unexpected ‘fairy’ surprises hidden within a tranquil wooded glen. The gorge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the unique and interesting rocks it contains. Perfect for families and for anyone who likes waterfalls! The paths can be muddy at times and there are several sets of stairs. … More Walk 190 – Lynn Glen, Dalry – 1.3 miles

Walk 189 – Kilmaurs Town Trail – 1.6 miles

September 19, 2019

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

Walk 188 – Castle Semple Loch & Parkhill Wood, Lochwinnoch- 3.2 miles

June 20, 2019

n easy and varied walk taking in cycle track, woodland and gravel paths. This is a figure of 8 route with lots of historical interest and peaceful scenery along the way! To get the most out of your walk, be sure to pop in to the Visitor Centre for a trail guide before setting off. … More Walk 188 – Castle Semple Loch & Parkhill Wood, Lochwinnoch- 3.2 miles

Whitelee’s Secret Forest – Valley Walkfest 2019

May 18, 2019

The blurb for my guided walk read “Join Gillian’s Walks and Rennie Mason, Whitelee Countryside Rangers on a visit to the tranquil, scenic side of the UK’s largest onshore windfarm at Cleughearn Plantation. Walkers will be bussed to Ardochrig from Darvel and we will soon find ourselves on a mossy track through the forest. This area is home to an array of bird life and has its very own dragonfly pond. Roe deer may be spotted if we are quiet enough!” It seemed to spark an interest, and on Sunday 12th May 2019, an impressive 32 people headed out in 3 minibuses and a car to enjoy the walk! … More Whitelee’s Secret Forest – Valley Walkfest 2019

Autumn woodland scene from Lainshaw Woods, Stewarton

Walk 187 – Lainshaw Woods & the Annick Water, Stewarton – 4.6 miles

February 22, 2019

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

Walk 186 – Plodda Falls, near Tomich, Scottish Highlands – 0.8 miles

December 28, 2018

Simply jaw-dropping! Experience how a bambling burn – Allt na Bodachan – is peacefully flowing through the forest one minute and then without warning is suddenly hurtled 46m vertically down a rock face. Possibly the most impressive falls I have ever seen! … More Walk 186 – Plodda Falls, near Tomich, Scottish Highlands – 0.8 miles