This walk is along tarmac surfaces making it ideal for buggies, although prepare yourself for plenty of uphill sections! Starting at the ferry slip on the Isle of Cumbrae, you will head uphill to the Glaid Stone, the island’s highest point, before descending into Millport. From here you can either use the local bus service to return to the ferry slip (this makes the walk 4 miles), or walk back via the quiet Ferry Road (total walk length 7 miles). Along the way enjoy the views across to the Isle of Bute, Isle of Arran, Little Cumbrae and the hills of Ayrshire. You will pass several small lochs, a mineral well and the Cathedral of the Isles (Britain’s smallest cathedral). Not forgetting the Crocodile Rock!
Category Archives: Z – My 100 Walk Challenge
Walk 99 – Kay Park, Kilmarnock – 0.6 miles
A lovely short walk around Kilmarnock’s 30 acre Kay Park. Highlights include the Burns Monument, stone lions, children’s play park, duck pond and cycle track. So although it is less than a mile in length, you can easily pass a couple of hours here!
Walk 98 – Lochgoin Circuit, Whitelee Windfarm – 7 miles
An easy 7 mile circuit around Whitelee Windfarm’s Lochgoin Reservoir. The route is way-marked meaning that navigation is simple and underfoot is a mixture of loose stones and grass. Look out for Dunwan Dam and take a detour to Blackwood Hill Viewpoint, from which on a clear day you will be able to see as far as the Isle of Arran and Ben Lomond.
Walk 97 – Ben Venue from Loch Achray – 8.4 miles
Ben Venue, meaning “the small mountain” certainly packs a punch for being a Graham! At 729m / 2391ft, it is the rockiest hill in the Trossachs and is a very familiar sight across Loch Venachar, Loch Achray or Loch Katrine. Consisting of 2 summits, on a clear day you will be rewarded with stunning views across the highlands. A fairly long walk in means allowing approximately 6 hours to complete this route.
Walk 96 – Red Squirrel Trail, Devilla Forest, Fife – 1.7 miles
Take a short walk around this peaceful forest between Kincardine and Dunfermline. Devilla covers a massive 700 hectare area and is home to the red squirrel thanks to the plating of Scots pine trees back in the 1950s, which create the perfect habitat for them. While you are there look out for The Standard Stone, an ancient relic linked to MacBeth, and also take a detour to see the remains of Bordie Castle. On a warm day take a picnic to enjoy at the lochside.
Walk 95 – Blackcraig Hill, East Ayrshire – 3.6 miles
Blackcraig Hill, close to New Cumnock, is the highest peak in the area (700 m / 2296 ft) and on a clear day you will be rewarded with simply stunning views from the top. With no obvious footpath to follow, some navigation skills are required, particularly in poor visibility. The route described below is a straightforward gentle ascent on mostly grassy ground with a few craggy sections to look out for.
Walk 94 – Irvine Beach & Shewalton Woods – 9.3 miles
Starting with a walk along Irvine’s sandy beach all the way to Barassie, you will then return by following the National Cycle Network track. Experience the industrial side of Irvine, as well as some scenic woodland areas, a wildlife reserve and the town’s popular white sandy beach. Enjoy the breathtaking views out across the Firth of Clyde at both the start and end of the walk!
Walk 93 – Eglinton Countryside Walk – 2.7 miles
A pleasant woodland walk taking in some of the highlights of Eglinton Country Park before looping around Eglinton Loch and returning to the start via a track along the outer perimeter of the park.
Walk 92 – Dumfries House Estate, Cumnock – 1.6 miles
An absolutely brilliant day out for the whole family! Although the walk itself is short at just over a mile and a half, there is so much to see and do at Dumfries House that you can easily spend several hours. Take a picnic or take advantage of the onsite cafe. Highlights include the Engineering Centre, large kids play area, arboretum, walled garden and the stunning Dumfries House itself. Look out for all the quirky features around the Estate that make it truly unique!
Walk 91 – River Irvine Walk, Crookedholm – 2 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.
Gillian's Walks 