East Ayrshire walks

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.

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!

A linear walk from the village of Darvel along a fantastic disused railway track to the Spirit of Scotland Monument beneath Loudoun Hill.

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!

A peaceful walk following the River Irvine between Kilmarnock and Gatehead, returning via the beautiful Caprington Woods and castle.

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!

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.

This is an amenity park walk on tarmac surfaces with some steeper gradients.

This is an amenity park walk on tarmac surfaces with some gentle gradients.

This route follows the country roads around Loch Doon. Travel through cottages and quarries, and take a break.

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.

Walk along the river and through Craighead Wood. Views of Loch Doon accompany you along the way.

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.

Short refreshing walk from Loche Finlas to Loch Doon.

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 ?

This walk brings you to visit the Dalcairnie Linn Waterfall. If you would like, extend it up to Auchenroy hill.

This walks brings you to Blackcraig summit past Blackcraig Farm.

This walk brings you up Windy Standard from Afton Dam. Enjoy views of Afton Reservoir and wind turbines.

This walk goes up Benwhat Monument from Dalmellington past the heritage of an old mining village.

This walk starts from Loch Doon Castle and goes up Wee Hill of Craigmulloch & Craiglee summits.

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.

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.

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.

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!

This is a really pleasant walk on the outskirts of Kilmarnock. After crossing Caprington Golf Course past the historical ruin of Blackskye 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.