Scotland walks

Climb the iconic Temple hill to see the remnants of the 18th Century Georgian designed landscape. Fabulous views across the historic Castle Semple estate and rural Renfrewshire.

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.

Sandy Irvine Beach is wild, beautiful and seems to go on and on forever! In fact it stretches 3 miles along to Barassie. You can choose to walk all the way to Barassie and back, or if you are looking for a shorter walk, just go as far as you want to before turning back. Lined with high sand dunes and the Isle of Arran visible to the west, the beach here is popular with locals out for some fresh air and exercise.

This walk in the Northumberland National Park follows the England-Scotland border fence and starts from Kirk Yetholm. The walk uses the Pennine Way to reach Black Hag. The return route follows an alternative route of the Pennine Way back to the start.

On a clear day the views from this route are simply outstanding: the islands of Cumbrae & Arran and the pink sandy beaches at Fairlie and Hunterston. A variety of woodland paths, tracks and grassy hillsides lead you gently uphill past the remains of Fairlie Castle and along the base of Black Hill. The return section follows the Fairlie Moor Road and then the Ayrshire Coastal Path. There is the opportunity to visit some hidden waterfalls along the route.

This hike starts from Sweetheart Abbey remains free car park and brings you to Waterloo Monument. If you are not claustrophobic or have a fear of heights, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view from the top of the tower! There is quite a steep climb to get to the monument.

⚠️The stairs into the tower are really narrow and steep. At the top there is NO SECURITY BARRIER so it is not recommended to bring children with you or if you have a fear of heights!

A combination of coastal footpaths and inland countryside tracks give this circuit variety. Starting along the promenade, delve into the history of the village of Charlestown as you pass the 14 limekilns which were quarried into the cliffs in the 1700s. Walk on the former Elgin railway followed by a minor road high behind the village before returning to the shorefront via a series of farm and woodland tracks. Pass the impressive Broomhall House en route, as well as the Limekilns War Memorial.

An easy walk around the pretty conservation village of Luss, famous for having been the setting for the successful TV soap ‘High Road’. This walk encompasses it’s sandy beach, the Luss Water and a quiet woodland containing remnants of a former slate quarry.

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!

Best experienced after a period of sustained rainfall, this section of the River Clyde is pretty spectacular. Starting in the historical village of New Lanark, the track forms the last section of the Clyde Walkway and is basically a woodland walk with viewpoints to the waterfalls along the river, the most photographed of these being Corra Linn which plunges down 26m over the rocks!

Portencross is arguably one of the best places from which to view the Isle of Arran! The Isle of Cumbrae quickly takes it’s place as you progress towards Largs via the industrial grounds of Hunterston and the pretty town of Fairlie. Much of this walk is along cycle tracks, pavements and minor roads.

This section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path is basically a long stretch of golden beach sandwiched between two busy coastal towns. Enjoy having a nosey at the shorefront houses in Barassie as you pass, and look out for the stone dragon atop the sand dunes of Irvine Beach! On a clear day the Isle of Arran can be seen across the Firth of Clyde.

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!

This short circular walk around the Caaf Water is packed with unexpected ‘fairy’ surprises hidden within a tranquil wooded glen. The gorge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the unique and interesting rocks it contains. Perfect for families and for anyone who likes waterfalls!

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

An entirely flat 12 mile circular walk makes for easy walking and feels surprisingly rural, often accompanied by either the Lugton Water, Annick Water or the River Irvine. Sights to look forward to include Eglinton Castle, the Cairnmount Hill standing stones, Sourlie Woods and Garnock Floods Wildlife Reserves, Robert Burns statue, plenty of bridges, and if you do it in summer, apple trees and wild flowers galore!

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!

Follow this ancient route between Dundonald and Troon, used in the 18th century to smuggle illegal goods inland! It covers a varied terrain including woodland paths, tarmac roads, grass and sand. You will pass a quiet reservoir, walk through Fullarton Woods then across Royal Troon Golf Course, finishing it off with a stroll along Troon’s sandy Beach.

A superb walk in the Cuillins, with breathtaking views of the sea and a charming little Loch at the end.
The only challenging part is the end of the climb, where you need to climb up some scree for the last 300 metres.

This walks is part of the Edinburgh’s five rivers: Source to Sea collection. Last leg of a 4-part route down the full length of the valley of the River Almond.

Wandering though this delightful woodland, the impressive remains of 16th century Old Auchans House seem to appear out of nowhere. Go late January to see snowdrops galore, late April for wild garlic, and May for a sea of bluebells!

A lovely walk through coniferous and deciduous woodland and open pasture, on the way to Loch of the Lowes. Use the hides at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s visitor centre to sneak a peek in season at overwintering geese, ducks including goldeneye and the striking, head shaking courtship of the great crested grebe. A camera provides live and recorded images of the famous osprey nest in season and other local wildlife.

A very nice hike along the water and mountains in the Cuillin.

The Quiraing combines both majestic mountains and the mysteries of the Isle of Skye. The landscapes are magnificent.

This short but steep hike brings you to Waterloo Monument, Waterloo Hill. If you are not claustrophobic or have a fear of heights, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view from the top of the tower!
This is moderate as there is a steep climb with rocky and uneven steps.

⚠️The stairs into the tower are really narrow and steep. At the top there is NO SECURITY BARRIER so it is not recommended to bring children with you or if you have a fear of heights!

This is a quick wander to visit Morton Castle. It is a nice family walk to visit the ruins and enjoy views of the countryside.

This short and easy stroll starts from the beautiful Drumlanrig Castle and then brings you into the woodlands and along a stream to get another view of the castle and its garden.

This walk follows the well-known Fife Coastal Path and brings you to visit several little caves via Macduff Castle. If you are lucky, along the way, you will be able to spot some seals. The best time to spot them is at low tide.

This nice little walk brings you into sandstones along Glen Burn to reach a nice waterfall surrounded by little caves.

This short wonder starts from The Helix car park and goes along the Forth and Clyde Canal Towpath to reach the impressive Kelpies horses statues! This is a family and push chairs friendly route.

This short walk and flat walk is ideal on a warm day. There is a great playground and the area is accessible with pushchairs and prams if you avoid the detour into the woods. If you have ever been to Western Canada, well it feels like being there.

Amenity park land with a mixture of grassland, woodland, wildflower meadows and a pond.

A short circular amenity park walk on tarmac paths with one small, shallow gradient.

Located south of Ben Nevis and following the river of the same name (Water of Nevis), this hike to Steall Gorge waterfall is either an alternative to the Mount or a majestic and easy-to-access side walk.
Perfectly signposted, the first part is accessible to all and offers a 150 m view of the entire waterfall.
Crossing a suspension bridge, you can reach the foot of the waterfall, where a prominent rock offers a remarkable podium for hikers.

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.

Little dog-friendly walk along the Croe Water river starting from the entrance of Ardgartan Forest Holiday park.

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

A short circular woodland walk through Geilsland Country Estate and Spiers Old School Grounds.

An amenity park walk on tarmac surfaces with a pulse-raising gradient. This walk is within a short distance of Kilbirnie Main street.

A pleasant woodland fitness walk on countryside trails with pulse raising finisher.

A short circular riverside walk in amenity parkland. Mainly flat tarmac surfaces with some gentle inclines.

This is a circular route around Irvine Beach Park boating pond with steep inclines/declines, ideal for those looking to add a little pulse raiser into their walk and be rewarded with beautiful views. Amenity parkland.

A short, circular walk on a flat tarmac surface. Amenity parkland adjacent to Irvine beach.

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

Walk into the woodlands before reaching Arran Island Western Coastline with its hidden caves full of stories and views of surrounding mountains, The Doon Fort, and Drumadoon Point. This walk has one gate and a rocky beach which can be unheaven.

A family-friendly walk into the woods where you will get nice views and a unique Eco-Library worth visiting.

One from my Pulse Raiser series of walks, this is a woodland river side walk with undulating terrain and steep steps.

A short, flat tarmac circuit in amenity park land. Ideal for those new to fitness or recovering from illness or injury.

A pulse raising woodland walk suitable for those interested in increasing their heart rate!