Prices from £25 per person depending on group size and route chosen. Everything from small family groups to corporate team-building days catered for. Gillian’s Walks is based in Ayrshire in the south west of Scotland – close to Glasgow and the home of Robert Burns, Johnnie Walker and a stunning coastline on the Firth of Clyde.
Any size of group from 2-25 people can be accommodated. Couples, friends, families, corporate groups. We don’t currently offer guided walks for groups of children under 16, however children can attend my guided walks if accompanied by an adult, for example as part of a family group. We offer different grades of walks so that all fitness levels can be catered for. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to come along: there will be times when they can run free and other times when you will be asked to use a lead, such as in areas where there is livestock present, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Our main base is in Ayrshire on the south west coast of Scotland, and this is the region we know best. We can guide groups elsewhere in Scotland on request.
Ayrshire is a region almost 2000 square miles in size and best known as the birthplace of the famous poet Robert Burns as well as the world-renowned whisky brand Johnnie Walker. An area rich in farmland, if you visit at the right time of year you can experience our very own potatoes – Ayrshire tatties – growing in the fields along the coast.
Ayrshire enjoys over 100 stunning miles of walk-able coastline – known as the Ayrshire Coastal Path – and is also home to Scotland’s first source to sea long distance walking route – The River Ayr Way. Both of those routes have official NatureScot designation as Scotland’s Great Trails which means that they are amongst Scotland’s “finest long distance trails”. The islands of Arran and Cumbrae are a short ferry journey away.
Inland there are many attractive rural towns and villages as well as several river valleys which offer an abundance of walks. Particular favourites of mine include the villages of Straiton and Barr, The Doon Valley and the Irvine Valley.
We can advise on travel options for reaching the start of the walk from your accommodation, and where walks are linear in nature, for returning to your accommodation at the end of the walk. We can also assist with recommending local taxi or minibus/coach companies on request.
Groups booking a private guided walk with us must agree to our Terms & Conditions.
You can expect an experienced, friendly guide with detailed knowledge of walking in the South West of Scotland. We can help you discover some of the history of the areas we will walk in, as well as the flora and fauna growing around us. We have been leading group walks since 2017 and hold Lowland Walk Leader certification. This means that we have undertaken nationally accredited training and assessment with Mountain Training UK and it qualifies us to lead groups on day walks in lowland countryside and woodland. We are also trained in outdoor first aid and are fully insured. A member of the Ayrshire Coastal Path Management Board, Gillian’s Walks is truly passionate about showcasing the walking opportunities the area has to offer. Considered a Walking Ambassador for the Ayrshire region by the 11,000 people who follow us on social media and take advantage of our free Walking Route resource.
Our guided walk experiences usually last for a half day (up to a few hours) or a full day (up to 7 or 8 hours). The distance covered over a half or full day very much depends on the experience and fitness levels of the group, type of terrain, how much chatting we do about history, heritage etc, and how long we spend visiting the points of interest along the route. Not forgetting the impact the good old Scottish weather can sometimes have (wet and windy days make you walk faster!) We can tailor routes to suit your needs so please get in touch for a bespoke itinerary.
Prices start from £25 per person depending on group size and whether you’re looking for a half or full day experience. We will put together a bespoke quote for you based on your group’s needs. Contact me today to start the conversation.
Walkers will need comfortable walking boots or trail shoes with good grips, and a light day pack to carry some spare clothing (the Scottish weather can be very changeable), drinking water and snacks/packed lunch if on a full day walk or planning to be out over lunchtime.
Depending on the weather forecast the following items of spare clothing should ideally be carried: a waterproof jacket and trousers (if you have them), hat, gloves, a warm layer of clothing, sunglasses, spare socks.
Optional extras: walking poles (great for balance on uneven ground and/or taking strain off your knees), a camera, sunscreen, midge repellent. Spare sunscreen and midge repellent will be carried by the Walk Guide.
