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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

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 figure of eight 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 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 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.