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.
If you have your own transport and would like to explore the region of Ayrshire we have a selection of guided walk options to suit all tastes and abilities!
Enjoy stunning views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran and learn about our coastal heritage on a choice of full day walks. Go for the easier option if you love sandy beaches or golf courses, with both Prestwick & Royal Troon on the route. For a more challenging option opt for the castle to castle route further south and enjoy a more remote, rugged section of our coastline:
Beach & golf route 5 miles linear walk returning to start by train or 8 miles circular walk.
Castle to castle route 7.5 miles | linear walk returning to start via public bus service.
Explore Alloway - the birthplace of Rabbie Burns including Burns Cottage, Auld Alloway Kirk, Burns Monument & Gardens and the famous Brig o Doon. Why not stay longer and pay a visit to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum whilst here!
Half day walk | Easy | 2.5 miles
An astonishingly beautiful walk through a deep wooded glen following the River Doon rapids. Or upgrade to explore the Craigengillan Estate and spectacular Dalcairney Falls on a full day adventure.
Half day walk | Moderate | 2 miles
Full day walk | Moderate | 9 miles
Half day walks for 2-5 people £150
Full day walks for 2-5 people £225
Larger group rates available on request
Health Walk Leader
Lowland Walk Leader
Community Nordic Walking Instructor
Outdoor First Aid (16hrs)
Nominee 2021
Nominee 2023
Community Path Volunteer of the Year 2019
Official Walking Ambasssdor, Ayrshire & Arran Destination Alliance
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 guided walk experiences usually last for a half day (3-4 hours) or a full day (5-6 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.
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, 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), waterproof trousers, a camera, sunscreen, midge repellent.
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.
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.
Groups booking a private guided walk with us must agree to our Terms & Conditions.
