Gillian's Walks

Starting in the historic village of New Lanark, follow the Clyde Walkway through the woods, stopping at several viewpoints to see the spectacular waterfalls along the river. The return route brings you down the opposite bank of the river and into Kirkfieldbank, then through Castlebank Park.

The Three Lochs Way is a 34 mile long distance route between Balloch and Inveruglas, with Loch Lomond, The Gareloch and Loch Long as recurrent scenic backdrops.

A challenging high-level loop beneath the Arrochar Alps, beginning and ending at Succoth car park. On a clear day enjoy fantastic close-up views of the surrounding mountains, including The Cobbler, Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime, returning via Glen Loin.

On this hike you will be rewarded with beautiful views into the village of Esparron-de-Verdon and across to the hills of the Verdon Canyon. Enjoy the flowers, butterflies and olive trees as well as an optional visit to see the village chateau and church.

In 2012 the Cap Ferrat peninsula was named as the second most expensive residential location in the world after Monaco!! This walk takes you around it’s beautiful coastal path, with stunning views out into the Mediterranean. You will pass countless sets of stone steps on your way round, tempting you down towards the turquoise waters of the peninsula’s many hidden coves and bays.

This walk takes you along the entire length of the promenade in Nice, between the harbour and Parc Phoenix next to the airport. You will also explore Castle Hill Park (Parc de la Colline du Château), a 19 hectare maze of greenery perched high up above Nice old town, with many areas to be discovered including an impressive waterfall.

This half of The Three Lochs Way is strenuous but the scenery makes it all worthwhile! Loch Long is your companion for the majority of the route and you also get glimpses of Loch Lomond and The Gareloch: the three lochs which give this long distance walk it’s name. This is The Three Lochs Way Day 1.

This part of The Three Lochs Way is much flatter than the first half and definitely the easier of the two days. It passes through the pretty town of Helensburgh. Despite the walk’s name, you leave the lochs behind for much of the way, meeting back up with Loch Lomond in the final stages. This is The Three Lochs Way Day 2.

The hike up to the top of the Merrick (843 m / 2765 ft) is a wonderful day out on varied and interesting terrain with lovely views for almost the entire way.

At 368m (1207ft), Lattrig is one of the lowest fells in the Lake District. However, the views from the summit are unrivalled and that’s what makes it such a popular climb. This route takes you steeply uphill through both Lattrig and Bruntholme Woods before an easy ascent to the Viewpoint.

This short walk leads to a spectacular narrow gorge, home to the incredible Falls of Measach which plunge 46m into the gorge below. This area is a National Trust for Scotland Nature Reserve.

A short "there and back" walk through the aptly named Fairy Glen, near Rosemarkie. Follow the Markie Burn to not one, but two pretty waterfalls hidden away in the most tranquil of settings.

After an extended walk around Craigmonie Woods, quiet country roads lead you to Divach Falls.

A circular walk through ancient woodlands and along pretty single track roads to reach the spectacular Divach Falls

Experience how a bambling burn – Allt na Bodachan – is peacefully flowing through the forest one minute and then without warning is suddenly hurtled 46m vertically down a rock face.

Taking in the rolling summits of Innerdownie, Whitewisp Hill, Tarmangie Hill and – optionally – Ben Shee, this circular walk on the southern edge of Perth & Kinross is best experienced on a clear day when the views can be appreciated to their fullest.

A fantastic circular walk starting at Inverchoran Bridge in the Strathconon Estate, from where you will head into the scenic and remote Glen Orrin to Luipmaldrig bothy. The return section is via a spectacularly scenic hill pass.

A peaceful countryside stroll on the hilly farmland behind the hamlet of Kirkton near Glamis, Angus. Fine views towards Kinnettles Castle and the Cairngorms National Park.

Set in the heart of the Angus Glens within the Cairngorms National Park, a walk through Glen Doll offers the perfect balance of forest trails and breath-taking mountain scenery.

Ben Vane is the smallest of the 282 Munros and it is renowned for its many false summits which lure you into a false sense of achievement! In clear weather you will be rewarded with extensive views across the Arrochar Alps, Loch Sloy, Loch Lomond and far beyond across the peaks of the southern Highlands.

The iconic pointed peak of Ben A’an in the Trossachs is a fantastic wee climb and the views of Loch Katrine and Ben Venue from the top are nothing short of spectacular. With a clear and well-worn footpath all the way to the top, this particular route takes you back down the other side of the hill, through some forest to the banks of Loch Katrine to form a loop.

At a height of 578 m (1896 ft), Earl’s Seat is the highest of the Campsie Fells. Relatively unspectacular-looking, it fades into the background behind it’s impressive neighbour Dumgoyne Hill. That said, the summit is a great vantage point with panoramic views across to Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands on one side, and the city of Glasgow and beyond on the other.

The prominent peak of Dumgoyne dominates the skyline from the villages below. It may be a small hill at 427m (1401ft), but it certainly packs a punch and makes for a very rewarding climb!

Conic Hill (361 m) forms part of the popular West Highland Way and as such is a busy little peak! The path is very well used, so navigation is easy, with a little scrambling over scree necessary close to the top. This is the perfect hill for a beginner or for a day when you only have a few hours to spare. The views are spectacular all the way!

Starting in the village of Knockentiber, this route uses a small section of the NCN73 cycle track before heading out into open countryside, following quiet country roads onto the Overtoun Rd leading to Springside. The return is via the Knockentiber. Road - a single track road offering fine views down to Crosshouse and back towards the Isle of Arran on a clear day.

A great walk between the Ayrshire villages of Knockentiber and Springside. The outward route follows the NCN73 Kilmarnock-Irvine cycle track into Springside and returns via the quiet Knockentiber Road. Lovely views from the highest points, including down into Crosshouse and over to the Isle of Arran.

A combination of lowland hills and rocky coastlines: perfection in a walk! Starting in the picture-perfect fishing village of Dunure you will wind your way up into the Carrick Hills before descending to sea level to return to the beginning via one of the most stunning and rugged sections of the Ayrshire Coastal Path. On a clear day you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the summit of Brown Carrick Hill (287 m / 941 ft): the best vantage point in the area!

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.

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.

This walk begins at the tranquil and picturesque Glengavel Reservoir, and goes via Bankend Rig Windfarm to end near Randoldcoup Bridge in Darvel. It is a challenging walk mainly due to the distance covered but as the landscape is so varied there is lots to keep you entertained.

A pleasant short walk along quiet country roads and the cycle path, starting in the village of Knockentiber.

A delightful short walk taking in some of Kilmaurs’ best bits, including Morton Park and the war memorial, St Maurs-Glencairn Parish Church, the remains of “Penny Bridge” and the impressive toolbooth known as the Jougs. It is actually much more of a countryside trail than its name suggests, including several field crossings. Wellies sometimes advisable!

This route takes you from the ferry terminal in Brodick to the summit of Goatfell (874 m / 2866 ft) following the ‘tourist route’, returning with a de-tour through Conocan Wood and past Brodick Castle, a National Trust for Scotland property. Goatfell is the highest peak on the Isle of Arran and from the top on a clear day you will be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views across the island’s array of dramatic granite ridges.

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.

A linear walk along “Britain’s most beautiful shortcut”: the Crinan Canal, Argyll. Starting at the Crinan Basin, the walk takes you to the Cairnbaan Hotel along a tarmac footpath/cycle track, making for very easy walking. Watch the Locks being opened and closed and wave to the people on-board the passing yachts.

The Pass of Killiecrankie and Faskally Forest are two of the best places in Scotland to enjoy a stunning display of autumn colours and this circular route takes you through both! Starting off with the Pass of Killiecrankie and the Soldier's Leap viewpoint, you will then head along single track roads and through the Linn of Tummel to reach Loch Faskally. On your way back you'll pass through the beautiful Faskally Forest before following the River Tummel and River Garry back to Killiecrankie.

One of those hidden gems Ayrshire has to offer! This is an easy walk starting in the village of Straiton and taking you into a wooded glen to visit some surprisingly spectacular waterfalls.

This is a circular walk beginning in the quaint rural Ayrshire village of Straiton. Initially the route heads uphill to follow rough and sometimes overgrown, boggy tracks through an area of woodland. Enjoy fine views down into the village and the Galloway hills beyond. The return leg of the walk loops back into Straiton on a variety of terrain including farm tracks, grassy fields and surfaced roads.

An easy 7 mile circuit around Whitelee Windfarm’s Lochgoin Reservoir. The route is way-marked meaning that navigation is simple and underfoot is a mixture of loose stones and grass. Look out for Dunwan Dam and take a detour to Blackwood Hill Viewpoint, from which on a clear day you will be able to see as far as the Isle of Arran and Ben Lomond.

A pleasant walk around one of the quieter areas of forestry within the UK’s largest onshore windfarm. Starting at the parking area just off Ardochrig Road (near Strathaven), you soon find yourself on a mossy track through the trees. In this area it is possible to spot jay, bullfinch, merlin, peregrine, roe deer, and occasionally goldeneye ducks on the ponds.

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.

A straightforward route to the summit of Dumyat (418m / 1371ft) from Pendreich Forestry car park. It is the westernmost peak in the Ochils and on a clear day offers incredible views down to the city of Stirling, the River Forth and across to the Southern Highlands.

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!

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!

An easy circular walk along the Moniack Burn. Reelig Glen is home to some of the tallest trees in Britain and as you walk through this mossy woodland, you can't help but feel small compared to the massive fir and spruce trees towering above you. Information boards dotted along the trail offer ID opportunities and some fun facts.

A hike up past the spectacular Gray Mare's Tail waterfall to the remote and tranquil Loch Skeen

Whilst in the village of Straiton you cannot help but wonder about the monument atop Craigengower (331m / 1086ft). This circular walk takes you up it’s steep slopes to the summit before a more gentle descent towards the Water of Girvan, returning to the start via pleasant riverside and woodland trails.

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.

Starting at the ferry slip on the Isle of Cumbrae, you will head uphill to the Glaid Stone, the island’s highest point, before descending into Millport. From here you walk back via the quiet Ferry Road. Along the way enjoy the views across to the Isle of Bute, Isle of Arran, Little Cumbrae and the hills of Ayrshire. You will pass several small lochs, a mineral well and the Cathedral of the Isles (Britain’s smallest cathedral). Not forgetting the famous Crocodile Rock!