Back in 2016 I set myself a challenge to walk 100 different routes before the end of the year. And I did! I documented them all here and that content became routes 1 to 100 on www.gillianswalks.com. Here’s where I got to….
Eglinton really is a unique Country Park in Ayrshire – unlike any other I have visited. It is spread over a vast area and has so many quirky parts, full of surprises. This short route is ideal with the kids and takes in the all-abilities play park, courtyard and cafe, headless statue (!), castle ruins and Eglinton Loch. Take a picnic on a nice day! … More Walk 85 – Eglinton Country Park, Kilwinning – 1.6 miles
At a height of 578 m (1896 ft), Earl’s Seat is the highest of the Campsie Fells. Relatively unspectacular-looking, it fades into the background behind it’s impressive neighbour Dumgoyne Hill. That said, the summit is a great vantage point with panoramic views across to Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands on one side, and the city of Glasgow and beyond on the other. Mostly grassy tracks, the route can be wet underfoot and boggy in places. It is a very exposed area with no shelter so do go prepared in case you run into poor weather! There is a steep section near the start before the route levels off to a far more gentle gradient thereafter. … More Walk 84 – Earl’s Seat, Campsies – 6.6 miles
This route shows off the scale and diversity of Whitelee, the UK’s largest onshore windfarm. It crosses from one side of the site to the other, passing through it’s less visited areas, many of which are rich in forestry. You will stand on the highest point in East Renfrewshire (Corse Hill), visit a WWII hurricane crash site, pass an active quarry, and even visit a memorial enclosure! Keep a lookout for dragonflies, small birds, woodland mammals and birds of prey. … More Walk 83 -Traverse of Whitelee Windfarm: Ardochrig to Visitor Centre – 15.3 miles
This route takes you from the ferry terminal in Brodick to the summit of Goatfell (874 m / 2866 ft) following the ‘tourist route’, returning with a de-tour through Conocan Wood and past Brodick Castle, a National Trust for Scotland property. Goatfell is the highest peak on the Isle of Arran and from the top on a clear day you will be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views across the island’s array of dramatic granite ridges. … More Walk 82 – Goatfell, Isle of Arran – 10.9 miles
Quirky and fun! This trail starts along The Greenock Cut before heading off into some lovely woodland on a hunt for the 18 wood carvings hidden inside. A mixture of earth footpaths and boardwalk with some easy uphill and downhill sections. Look out for the impressive waterfall near the start and the view down the glen towards the Firth of Clyde and the mountains beyond. … More Walk 81 – Nature Trail, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park – 1.6 miles
The prominent peak of Dumgoyne dominates the skyline from the villages below. A volcanic plug, it is one of those hills which just seems to call out to you to climb it. It may be a small hill at 427m (1401ft), but it certainly packs a punch and makes for a very rewarding climb! … More Walk 80 – Dumgoyne, Campsies – 2.6 miles
This walk takes you out into the countryside between Kilmarnock and Kilmaurs with an optional de-tour into the peaceful and scenic Rowallan Estate. The route is mostly along minor roads with no pavements so care is required. … More Walk 78 – Kilmarnock North/Rowallan – 5.8 miles
A short walk to an ‘adopted/dedicated tree area’ in the picturesque Glen Afton, surrounded by some of Ayrshire’s finest hills. Using a mixture of surfaced roads, stony farm tracks and grassy footpaths, you will cross the Afton Water and Craig Burn. Look out for wild blueberries, caterpillars and frogs if you are there in Summer! … More Walk 79 -The Craigs Farm Estate, Glen Afton – 1.2 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
This 7 mile route starts in Milgarholm Park, Irvine and ends on Munro Avenue, Kilmarnock. Since it is a cycle track is is great for buggies. Note the one-way nature of this route meaning transport back to the start will be required if you don’t wish to walk double :-) … More Walk 76 – Irvine to Kilmarnock via Cycle Track – 7 miles
One of those hidden gems Ayrshire has to offer! This is an easy walk starting in the village of Straiton and taking you into a wooded glen to visit some surprisingly spectacular waterfalls. The ground surface is a mixture of tarmac roads and earth footpaths. … More Walk 75 – Lady Hunter Blair’s Walk, Straiton – 2 miles
This straightforward walk takes in the Annanhill, Grange, Moorfield and Dunsmuir Park areas of Kilmarnock. A mixture of pavements and quiet country roads. … More Walk 74 – Kilmarnock West Loop- 6 miles
Designated as an Ancient Monument, The Greenock Cut is an aqueduct built in the 1820s to supply water from Loch Thom to Greenock. The 7 mile route is full of interesting features which is probably why it has been rated one of the top 50 walks in Scotland! It is an easy walk along tarmac country roads, gravel tracks and grassy footpaths. You will be rewarded with fantastic views to Greenock, Gourock, the River Clyde and the southern Scottish mountains. … More Walk 73 – The Greenock Cut – 7 miles
The iconic pointed peak of Ben A’an in the Trossachs is a fantastic wee climb. With a clear and well-worn footpath all the way to the top, the views of Loch Katrine and Ben Venue are nothing short of spectacular. This particular route forms a loop, taking you back down the other side of the hill, through some forest to the banks of Loch Katrine. … More Walk 72 – Ben A’an Circular Walk, Loch Achray – 4 miles
A pleasant loop on pavements and earth footpaths taking you from the Bellfield area of Kilmarnock, along the River Irvine and into Caprington Estate’s ancient woodland. A popular route with local dog walkers. … More Walk 71 – Caprington Woods, Kilmarnock from Campbell Place – 2.5 miles
Gillian's Walks 