The Pass of Killiecrankie and Faskally Forest in Perthshire are two of the best places in Scotland to enjoy a stunning display of autumn colours and this circular route takes you through both! … More Walk 209 – Killiecrankie & Faskally Forest Circular – 10 miles
A varied circular walk across the narrowest part of the Isle of Mull, between Salen in the East and /killiechronan in the West. The first half takes you through woodland and forestry and across open hillside. The return is predominantly along a single track road, finishing with the Salen Woodland Walk. … More Walk 208 – Isle of Mull Coast to Coast Circular, Salen to Killiechronan – 8 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
One of the most iconic mountains in Scotland, certainly the most photographed! Buachaille Etive Mòr is a classic mountain ridge walk in the Highlands comprising four summits, two of them Munros. … More Walk 206 – Buachaille Etive Mòr Ridge – 8.6 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
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
Ben Vane is the smallest of the 282 Munros and it is renowned for its many false summits which lure you into a false sense of achievement! … More Walk 203 – Ben Vane, Inveruglas – 7.5 miles
Set in the heart of the Angus Glens within the Cairngorms National Park, a walk through Glen Doll offers the perfect balance of forest trails and breath-taking mountain scenery. Follow the course of the energetic White Water into the forest, emerging at the far end to a wide open vista, then cross the burn and return to the start on forestry trails along the other side of the water. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, red squirrels, roe deer and pine marten within the forest, and on the craggy hillsides high above you might spot a golden eagle, buzzard or peregrine falcon. Binoculars and cameras at the ready! … More Walk 202 – Glen Doll Forest Trail, Angus – 5 miles
A peaceful countryside stroll on the hilly farmland behind the hamlet of Kirkton near Glamis, Angus. This is an easy walk on good tracks and quiet roads, can be boggy at times. A gentle uphill gradient at first, the reward being fine views across the farmland towards Kinnettles Castle and the Cairngorms National Park. … More Walk 201 – Kirkton of Kinnettles Circular, Angus – 4 miles
There are 11 cairns to discover within the Balmoral Estate. The cairns were commissioned by Queen Victoria to commemorate the marriages of her children and the largest was erected in memory of her husband Price Albert following his death. This short walk takes in two of the cairns – Princess Beatrice’s Cairn and Prince Albert’s Cairn (aka “the pyramid”!) A beautiful forestry trail awaits, and after a fairly steady walk uphill you will reach the summit of Creag an Lurachain (442 m /1450 ft) where the pyramid sits. A steeper but shorter descent follows, and a very lovely suspension bridge crossing. Optional de-tour to Crathie Kirk – regular place of worship of the British Royal Family. … More Walk 200 – Prince Albert’s Pyramid, Balmoral – 4 miles
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
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 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
Gillian's Walks 