Feel Good WALKS

Free guided walks to help you feel good

Gillian’s Walks is working in collaboration with The Outdoor Partnership Ayrshire to offer a series of FREE guided walks to end the year! Enjoy the great outdoors, reconnect with nature and invest in your wellbeing.

We have tried to ensure there is something for everyone:

Short walks of up to a maximum of 1 mile visiting Ayrshire nature or heritage sites.
Longer walks of 4-5 miles, taking in heritage, art, coast and parks.
Note: please choose either the short or longer walks depending on your ability. The short walks are simply shorter versions of the longer walks, so it doesn’t make sense to book both.

All walks are free to attend and everyone is welcome, but places are limited so please register via the link below.

Dogs – for everyone’s comfort and to avoid distractions during the walk, we ask that dogs are not brought along even on a lead.

Precise meeting point will be communicated around 1 week prior to each walk to everyone who has registered.

These walks have been made possible by the Scottish Government’s ‘Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund’ through VASA (South Ayrshire) and the ‘Nuclear Decommissioning fund’ through The Outdoor Partnership.

Short Walks

These start at 2pm and last for 45 minutes at a very gentle pace.

Thurs 23rd October: Alloway Tunnel Murals (500 metres) – Discover the colourful Alloway Tunnel murals on this short, guided stroll. Your guide will share the stories behind the artwork, bringing the vibrant images to life. A gentle and accessible walk starting and finishing at RBBM, with toilets and café on site.

Thurs 13th November: Fairlie Coastal Path (less than 1 mile) – Enjoy the sea air on this slow-paced wander along Fairlie’s new coastal path. We’ll head out for 20 minutes at a relaxed pace before returning the same way, soaking in the views of the Firth of Clyde as we go.

Thurs 4th December: Dean Castle, Kilmarnock (700 metres) – Take a gentle stroll along accessible riverside paths to Kilmarnock’s historic Dean Castle. Along the way, enjoy the peaceful parkland setting and the chance to learn more about this important Ayrshire landmark. Toilets and café available at the start/end

Longer Walks

These start at 10am and last approx 3hrs at a steady pace

Thurs 23rd October: Alloway & Doonfoot Loop (4.5 miles) – Set off from Alloway with a guided tour of the colourful railway tunnel murals before following the coastal path to the dramatic Greenan Castle. Enjoy a stop at the newly created Sense-Ayr-ee garden, then return via the peaceful Doon riverside path and the historic Cambusdoon Estate. A mostly flat route with wide views, heritage highlights, and plenty of Ayrshire charm. Toilets and café available at the start/end.

Thurs 13th November: Fairlie & Kelburn Castles (4 miles) – From Fairlie picnic area, follow the new coastal path before turning inland to approach the colourful Kelburn Castle. The return takes you past the medieval ruins of Fairlie Castle and down through a scenic wooded glen. Expect a mix of terrain, around 400ft of ascent/descent, and a rewarding blend of coastal views, woodland paths, and castle heritage.

Thurs 4th December: Two Parks Trail, Kilmarnock (4 miles) – Linking two of Kilmarnock’s most popular green spaces, this route takes in the highlights of Dean Castle Country Park and the Kay Park. Along the way, see the Burns Monument, swan pond, riverside trails, and the historic castle. A varied and enjoyable walk with plenty of history and natural beauty. Toilets and café available at the start/end.