Walks in the Irvine Valley region of Ayrshire which includes the former mill towns of Galston, Newmilns and Darvel (birthplace of Sir Alexander Fleming). This area boasts a fantastic way-marked paths network. Spend many hours walking on the quiet country roads or in the ancient woodland of the Lanfine Estate, or how about a disused railway walk to the highest point in the area – Loudoun Hill.
A pleasant circular walk into the woods behind Dyke Farm, returning via the popular Lanfine Estate. Much of the first half of the walk is uphill which means great views into the Irvine Valley! Note that the woodland path, albeit very well way-marked, can become very overgrown in summer months. … More Walk 148 – Dyke Walk, Darvel – 3.8 miles
A semi-loop through the spectacular woodland of Lanfine Estate in Darvel, passing alongside it’s infamous wild boar family en route. A mixture of surfaced tracks and earth footpaths. … More Walk 143 – Lanfine’s Wild Boars, Darvel – 2.3 miles
A delightful loop across the quiet hillsides behind Darvel in the Irvine Valley, mostly along minor roads with short sections on gravel or earth tracks. It starts by following the Long Cairn Walk before branching off in the opposite direction to climb the Changue Road, or ‘mast road’. Here there is the option to walk to the Darvel transmitter mast before ending the walk by passing through the ancient woodlands of the Lanfine Estate. … More Walk 135 – Up the Bankers, Roon the Darvel Mast – 6 miles
Jacob’s Ladder is a steep stone staircase set within a narrow alleyway between Kilnholm Street and Loudoun Crescent in Newmilns. It provides walkers with a shortcut to access the multitude of pleasant backroads on the hillside above the village. This route is one short example of the many loops which can be enjoyed after climbing the ladder! … More Walk 134 – Jacob’s Ladder, Newmilns – 4 miles
A pleasant circular walk beginning in the woodland area along the River Irvine between Crookedholm and Milton Road, Kilmarnock. The route then continues along quiet country roads, passing the former Crookedholm Primary School building, with the final section taking you through the village of Crookedholm itself to return to the starting point. … More Walk 91 – River Irvine Walk, Crookedholm – 2 miles
A very pleasant loop through open farmland behind the village of Darvel, passing the birthplace of Sir Alexander Fleming. Surfaced minor roads the whole way, it is an easy walk although it is pretty hilly. The advantage of this being the beautiful views you will be rewarded with for almost the entire walk! … More Walk 77 – Sir Alexander Fleming Loop, Darvel – 6 miles
A 4 mile loop between Newmilns and Darvel and around the quiet woodland of Lanfine Estate. Well surfaced paths make the walking easy – great for an evening stroll with friends. If you have kids with you they will enjoy the large play park at the halfway point in Darvel! … More Walk 59 – Newmilns to Darvel via Lanfine Estate – 4.3 miles
This is an easy walk through woodland and then onto minor roads before returning to the start through the village of Newmilns. Go in the month of May to experience the thousands of bluebells! … More Walk 56 – The Big Wood, Newmilns – 3 miles
This walk begins at the tranquil and picturesque Glengavel Reservoir and goes via Bankend Rig Windfarm to end near Randoldcoup Bridge in Darvel. It is a challenging walk mainly due to the distance covered but as the landscape is so varied there is lots to keep you entertained. The terrain ranges from no path at all to quiet country roads. You will be rewarded with views across to Loudoun Hill, Whitelee Windfarm and Isle of Arran on a clear day. You will also cross over the humble beginnings of the Avon Water which runs into the River Clyde when it eventually reaches Hamilton! … More Walk 54 – Glengavel Reservoir to Darvel – 9.5 miles
A scenic linear woodland walk alongside the River Irvine on a newly surfaced track between Galston and Newmilns. The council have done a great job in laying the new footpath, which actually forms part of the Local Cycle Network. … More Walk 45 – Galston to Newmilns River Walk- 3 miles
A well-known local walk, following Burn Anne through woodland before heading out into more open space and uphill through a new tree plantation, returning via quiet country roads. On a clear day you will be rewarded with views down into the villages below and across to Isle of Arran and Ben Lomond. … More Walk 42 – Burn Anne Walk, Galston – 5.3 miles
A peaceful walk along River Irvine then through Armsheugh Woods where you meet with the Volga Burn, and then returning to Hurlford along quiet country roads. Look out for the former Crookedholm School building and plenty of lovely properties along the way. … More Walk 41 – Armsheugh Woods, Hurlford – 5 miles
At just 361m elevation, the volcanic plug of Loudoun Hill near Darvel, East Ayrshire is where Robert the Bruce had his first major military victory. It is reputed that in 1307 he led an army against the English in a battle which took place beneath the hill. Despite being small, it’s steep slopes certainly pack a punch and on a clear day the views from the top make it a must-do in the area. A favourite with children and adults alike! There are two route options that I know of and both are described below. … More Walk 34 – Loudoun Hill
Easy walking along a disused railway track (now the Chris Hoy Cycle Way) between Hurlford and Galston, returning via the same route. … More Walk 32 – Hurlford to Galston via Chris Hoy Cycle Way -3 miles
An easy walk from the village of Darvel along a fantastic disused railway track to the Spirit of Scotland Monument beneath Loudoun Hill. … More Walk 20 – Dismantled Railway Walk, Darvel
Gillian's Walks 