The colour of the trees…… the quirky uneven footpath meandering through the forest….. the sound of the falls long before being able to see them…. the purpose-built suspension bridge affording uninterrupted views of the gushing torrent that is Rogie Falls….. There was much to love about this walk! … More Walk 182 – Rogie Falls, Scottish Highlands – 0.9 miles
This short walk leads to THE most spectacular narrow gorge I have ever seen! Doing the route in a clockwise direction as described below leaves the pièce de résistance for the end: a Victorian suspension bridge allowing you to cross directly above the incredible Falls of Measach which plunge 46m into the gorge below. It’s no wonder this area is a NTS National Nature Reserve. … More Walk 181 – Corrieshalloch Gorge, Scottish Highlands – 1.25 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
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
Easter is the perfect time for some family adventures in the great outdoors. Winter has given way to Springtime with longer days, daffodils and crocuses, newborn lambs and rising temperatures. Not to mention a lot of chocolate to work off! Here are my top picks to give you some inspiration for over the holidays…. … More 10 Family Walks For Easter
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
There is something mystical, if a little eerie about the woodlands of Craufurdland Estate and it is my new favourite place to explore! This short 1.6 mile circuit takes you around some of it’s trails, avoiding the worst of the mud (still expect lots!), and along a high-level footpath above the Fenwick Water. Host of the popular Muddy Trials event, there are paths galore zig zagging through the trees meaning this the walk can easily be extended should you wish. You may even stumble across the Skrek swamp! … More Walk 165 – Craufurdland Woodland Trail, Kilmarnock – 1.6 miles
Hidden in a small woodland, discover one of the most extensive areas of ring and cup marks ever found in the UK. Then take a short walk along the River Ayr to the impressive Ballochmyle Viaduct. It is the highest masonry railway viaduct in Britain and even featured in a scene in the movie Mission: Impossible! Being on the Failford to Catrine section of the River Ayr Way means that you can extend the walk in either direction should you wish. Mostly earth footpaths and minor roads with one short section of uneven, boggy ground. … More Walk 163 – Ballochmyle Viaduct from Catrine – 3.7 miles
An astonishingly beautiful short walk through a deep wooded glen following the River Doon as it begins it’s journey between Loch Doon and the Firth of Clyde at Doonfoot, Ayr. Expect waterfalls a-plenty! Form a loop by returning to the start via the hill path. The footpaths are uneven and narrow in places and you can expect boggy conditions on the hill path. Be sure to take a camera as there are MANY photo opportunities! … More Walk 162 – Ness Glen, Loch Doon – 1.8 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
Gillian's Walks 