Refine your search for walks in East Ayrshire
East Ayrshire walks
Coodham Estate from Kilmarnock
Tourism professional 
6.34 mi
+305 ft
-299 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
This route first crosses Caprington Golf Course and then makes use of paved roads and paths to reach the 95 acre Coodham Estate just outside Symington. Take time to explore the Estate’s many interesting features and paths including the lake, mansion, shrine and graveyard, before starting the walk back to Kilmarnock via the high road past Stafflar Farm.
Ballochmyle Viaduct from Catrine
Tourism professional 
3.45 mi
+98 ft
-108 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
Starting in Catrine, follow the course of the River Ayr through woodland to the impressive Ballochmyle Viaduct. It is the highest masonry railway viaduct in Britain and even featured in a scene in the movie Mission: Impossible!
Dismantled Railway, Darvel
Tourism professional 
6.80 mi
+499 ft
-486 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
A linear walk from the village of Darvel along a fantastic disused railway track to the Spirit of Scotland Monument beneath Loudoun Hill.
Ness Glen, Loch Doon
Tourism professional 
1.89 mi
+177 ft
-187 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
An astonishingly beautiful short walk through a deep wooded glen following the River Doon as it begins it’s journey between Loch Doon and the Firth of Clyde at Doonfoot, Ayr. Expect waterfalls a-plenty! Form a loop by returning to the start via the hill path. The footpaths are uneven and narrow in places and you can expect boggy conditions on the high path. Be sure to take a camera as there are MANY photo opportunities!
Kilmarnock to Gatehead Circular
Tourism professional 
5.30 mi
+115 ft
-115 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
A peaceful walk following the River Irvine between Kilmarnock and Gatehead, returning via the beautiful Caprington Woods and castle.
Stewarton to Dunlop
Tourism professional 
7.27 mi
+289 ft
-207 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
A lovely peaceful walk between the two villages of Stewarton and Dunlop. After a short section through Lainshaw Woods the remainder of the walk uses quiet single track roads before an optional de-tour through the Millennium Woodland Nature Park in Dunlop. There are a few hills on this route, the reward being stunning views across to the Isle of Arran, Ailsa Craig and north to Ben Lomond if it is a clear day!
Afton Water and Glenafton from Danny's Brig
Visorando Member 2.25 mi
+66 ft
-52 ft
1h 05
Moderate
Departure from East Ayrshire
A short walk down to the River Afton, upstream along a path for a mile and then back along a minor road to the parking spot.
Kay Park with Kilmarnock Water section
Association / Club / Walk leader 0.98 mi
+36 ft
-33 ft
0h 30
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
This is an amenity park walk on tarmac surfaces with some steeper gradients.
Kay Park, Kilmarnock
Association / Club / Walk leader 0.65 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
0h 20
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
This is an amenity park walk on tarmac surfaces with some gentle gradients.
Hawker Hurricane Mk IV crash site - Loch Doon - Craigmalloch
Association / Club / Walk leader 7.27 mi
+427 ft
-410 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from East Ayrshire
This route follows the country roads around Loch Doon. Travel through cottages and quarries, and take a break.
Knocknearie, Dalcairney Falls and the Ness Glen gorge
Association / Club / Walk leader 7.21 mi
+1,007 ft
-1,024 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from East Ayrshire
An 11km countryside walk along the River Doom, Wee Berbeth Loch and through Craighead Woods. This is a walk that will convince many people of the beauty of the area.
Roundhouse Loop - Loch Doon Dam
Association / Club / Walk leader 2.38 mi
+358 ft
-374 ft
1h 25
Moderate
Departure from East Ayrshire
Walk along the river and through Craighead Wood. Views of Loch Doon accompany you along the way.
Castle Loop from Loch Doon Castle - Craigmalloch
Association / Club / Walk leader 2.67 mi
+469 ft
-440 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
Easy walk to get some fresh air in the wooded landscape on the edge of Loch Doon. You can visit the old castle, admire the view from the lookout point along the route and also take a short break by the waterfalls.
Loch Finlas Loop - Ayr
Association / Club / Walk leader 2.66 mi
+157 ft
-157 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
Short refreshing walk from Loche Finlas to Loch Doon.
3 Lochs Trail from Loch Doon
Association / Club / Walk leader 
4.77 mi
+692 ft
-354 ft
2h 50
Difficult
Departure from East Ayrshire
This one-way walk brings you across the moor to Loch Bradan, with Loch Finlas to your right and Loch Doon all the way to Bradan dam. On the way, can you spot Olaf Cairn; a slab of stone standing up near Loch Bradan that looks like Olaf the snowman from Disney’s Frozen ?
One way Dalcairney Falls & Auchenroy from Dalmellington
Association / Club / Walk leader 7.46 mi
+646 ft
-646 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from East Ayrshire
This walk brings you to visit the Dalcairnie Linn Waterfall. If you would like, extend it up to Auchenroy hill.
Blackcraig from Afton Dam
Association / Club / Walk leader 6.13 mi
+1,460 ft
-1,490 ft
4h 05
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
This walks brings you to Blackcraig summit past Blackcraig Farm.
Windy Standard from Afton Dam
Association / Club / Walk leader 8.33 mi
+1,299 ft
-1,280 ft
5h 00
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
This walk brings you up Windy Standard from Afton Dam. Enjoy views of Afton Reservoir and wind turbines.
Benwhat Monument from Dalmellington
Association / Club / Walk leader 5.73 mi
+889 ft
-889 ft
3h 25
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
This walk goes up Benwhat Monument from Dalmellington past the heritage of an old mining village.
Wee Hill of Craigmulloch & Craiglee from Loch Doon Castle
Association / Club / Walk leader 3.04 mi
+1,158 ft
-1,158 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from East Ayrshire
This walk starts from Loch Doon Castle and goes up Wee Hill of Craigmulloch & Craiglee summits.
River Ayr Way (Wellwood to Glenbuck Loch via Cairn Table)
Tourism professional 
14.11 mi
+1,490 ft
-1,240 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from East Ayrshire
A fairly challenging linear walk taking in the first section of the River Ayr Way as well as an ascent of Cairn Table (1945 ft / 593 m), the most prominent hill in East Ayrshire.
Craufurdland Countryside (Grassyards Road)
Tourism professional 
4.97 mi
+171 ft
-154 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
An ideal walk for the longer Spring and Summer evenings. After passing through the Craufurdland Estate, you will spend the majority of the walk out in the open countryside, from where you can admire the views on a clear day.
Craufurdland Countryside (Field Path)
Tourism professional 
4.34 mi
+121 ft
-108 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
A walk for the more adventurous! Quiet country roads quickly lead into the woodland of Craufurdland Estate. You will pass the fishing loch and the Laird’s Table cafe/restaurant, as well as cross a ford (using the footbridge!) The return leg of the walk is via a public right of way across farmland.
Afton Dam Circular
Tourism professional 
4.65 mi
+486 ft
-489 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
This walk takes you around the perimeter of Glenafton Reservoir just outside New Cumnock. On a still day the water creates stunning reflections of the surrounding hills and forests so remember to take your camera!
Caprington Castle via Earlston, Kilmarnock
Tourism professional 
3.67 mi
+56 ft
-56 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
This is a really pleasant walk on the outskirts of Kilmarnock. After crossing Caprington Golf Course past the historical ruin of Blacksyke Tower you will follow a former railway track bed across a field to reach the small hamlet of Earlston. The next stop is Caprington Castle and surrounding woodlands finishing with a wander through the residential part of Caprington.
Loudoun Hill Circular
Tourism professional 
1.93 mi
+335 ft
-341 ft
1h 10
Difficult
Departure from East Ayrshire
At just 361m elevation, the volcanic plug of Loudoun Hill near Darvel, is where Robert the Bruce had his first major military victory. Despite being small, it’s steep slopes certainly pack a punch and on a clear day the views from the top make it a must-do in the area. A favourite with children and adults alike!
Lainshaw Woods & the Annick Water, Stewarton
Tourism professional 
5.31 mi
+210 ft
-217 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
A scenic and varied circular walk which follows the Annick Water on its journey through Stewarton, including through the town’s popular Lainshaw Woods and Cunningham Watt Park.
Catrine to Sorn Loop
Tourism professional 
4.71 mi
+325 ft
-322 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
Follow the River Ayr along a pleasant woodland trail to Sorn, passing through Catrine Voes Local Nature Reserve and alongside the historic Catrine Weir. On reaching Sorn, cross the humpbacked ‘Auld Brig’ before passing through part of the village and into the “Spooky Woods”. The return route to Catrine is via Chapel Brae, a pleasant single track road which passes Catrine War Memorial.
Dean Castle Country Park via Borland
Tourism professional 
2.71 mi
+95 ft
-95 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from East Ayrshire
A beautiful countryside walk into the popular Dean Castle Country Park, taking in both Fenwick Water and Craufurdland Water. There are options to extend to visit the castle, Rural Life Centre, duck ponds and kids play area.