Walks in South Ayrshire. This region enjoys an extensive coastline, with some stunning rugged sections. Inland there is an abundance of rural towns and villages with fantastic path networks such as around Straiton, Barr, Dailly and the Stinchar Valley. The region includes the towns of Ayr and Girvan, and the village of Alloway (birthplace of Robert Burns). One half of the River Ayr Way (one of Scotland’s Great Trails) also passes through South Ayrshire, between Ayr and Failford. There are many Scottish castles in the region, including the iconic Culzean Castle & Country Park, Dundonald Caslte and the ruins of Dunure and Greenan castles. Not forgetting the famous golf courses at Turnberry, Prestwick and Royal Troon, to name a few.
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
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
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
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
Discover the many trails of the beautiful Brockle Wood with its pretty burn that leads you to the mighty River Ayr. This short circular route has a lot to offer and is especially recommended in Autumn! … More Walk 192 – Brockle Wood from Annbank – 1.6 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
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
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
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
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
A stunning circular route through the idyllic south Ayrshire countryside, the Fairy Knowe Trail is most definitely one of Scotland’s hidden gems. … More Walk 168 – Fairy Knowe Trail, Barr – 4.6 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
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
Whilst in the village of Straiton you cannot help but wonder about the obelisk atop Craigengower (331m / 1086ft). This circular walk takes you up it’s steep slopes to the summit before a more gentle descent towards the Water of Girvan, returning to the start via pleasant riverside and woodland trails. This walk can be very boggy. Several kissing gates and one stile on the route. … More Walk 158 – The Monument and Bennan Circuit, Straiton – 5 miles
Gillian's Walks 