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
Beinn Dubh (642 m / 2106 ft) is located a short walk from the conservation village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond. This circular hill walk is sometimes known as the Glen Striddle Horseshoe and if walked in an anti-clockwise direction begins with a gentle ascent to Beinn Dubh summit before continuing around to Mid Hill (623m / 2043 ft) and then descending a steep grassy ridgeline. The final section is a delightful easy walk down Glen Luss. … More Walk 227 – Beinn Dubh Horseshoe – 7.2 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)
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 circular countryside walk starting at the beach north of Ardrossan and then heading up onto the Ardrossan High Road towards West Kilbride. The return section takes you across pleasant farmland. On a clear day you will be rewarded with stunning views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran. … More Walk 224 – Ardrossan High Road – 6.5 miles
An easy, short circular walk at Irvine Beach, located less than an hour from Glasgow. The route takes advantage of the sheltered trails behind the sand dunes, which you might find lined with summer roses or purple heather depending on the season. I recommend paying a visit to the dragon viewpoint along the way for a stunning panorama of the Ayrshire coastline and Isle of Arran! Return via the golden sands of Irvine Beach, popular with horse riders. Go at dawn or dusk to enjoy a spectacular sunset and hundreds of rabbits in the Beach Park! … More Walk 223 – Irvine Dunes Circular – 2.7 miles
A varied circular walk starting in the pretty village of Cromarty and heading up through woodland to a viewpoint atop the South Sutor. Enjoy stunning views down across the Cromarty Firth and its many oil rigs, as well as over to the North Sutor and out across the vast expanse of the North Sea before returning to the village via quiet country roads. … More Walk 222 – South Sutor Viewpoint, Cromarty – 3.6 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
This fully way-marked circular walk takes you along the Water of Gregg and into the tranquil Changue Forest. As you gaze down into the Stinchar Valley from the viewpoint, ponder the legend of the battle between the Devil and the Laird of Changue reputed to have taken place here many years ago. … More Walk 220 – Devil’s Trail, Barr
Reelig Glen is located close to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. It is home to some of the tallest trees in Britain and as you walk through this mossy woodland beside the Moniack Burn, you can’t help but feel small compared to the massive fir and spruce trees towering above you. Information boards dotted along the trail offer ID opportunities and some fun facts. … More Walk 219 – Tall Trees Walk, Reelig Glen – 1 mile
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
One of Scotland’s most famous waterfalls, Grey Mare’s Tail is located near the town of Moffat, within a nature reserve managed by the National Trust for Scotland. It is one of the UK’s tallest falls, cascading 60m down into the glen below. This walk takes you from the car park uphill to the source of the waterfall – the very peaceful and remote Loch Skeen. … More Walk 216 – Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, Moffat – 2.8 miles
This route combines the Waterfalls Trail and Lochan Trail within Aros Park. You will pass both the Upper and Lower Falls on Aros Burn then walk around the east side of peaceful Lochan Gharrabain. The Waterfalls Trail involves uneven and sometimes boggy woodland trails and has some steep hills and steps. The path around the lochan is flat and wider/gravel. Good way-marking throughout Aros Park. … More Walk 215 – Aros Park Waterfalls & Lochan Trail, Isle of Mull – 1.9 miles
Tobermory has become famous as the setting for popular children’s TV series Balamory. It is also home to an attractive row of colourful shopfronts, its very own gin, and the Isle of Mull whisky distillery. This circular walk starts at the distillery and heads along a good path to Tobermory lighthouse. The return takes you onto higher ground and along the edge of the golf course for fantastic views down into the village. … More Walk 214 – Tobermory Lighthouse Circular Walk – 3.6 miles
Gillian's Walks 