(S/E) From the public car park in Straiton next to the playing fields, turn right (South East) onto B741/Main Street.
Walk through the village, past the church, village store and cafe and turn right (South East) at the war memorial onto Newton Stewart Road.
(1) Just past the school go through the kissing gate on the left.
(2) Follow a grassy track up over the field towards the trees then follow the tree-line South East to a gate at the top of the hillside.
Way-markers lead you through the forest to a stile beneath the steep slope of Craigengower.
The path to the summit is obvious ahead and emerges in front of the Obelisk.
Zig-zag your way down the south side of the hill following tall wooden way-markers.
(3) On reaching a gravel track next to Kildoach Burn turn right (West) and descend to a steep grassy slope.
(4) Head towards a kissing gate in the hedge at the bottom of this slope. This leads directly onto Newton Stewart Road.
Cross the road and turn left (South) to walk along the grass verge for a short distance.
Look out for a kissing gate on your right. Pass through the gate then pick up a faint path South West across the grass and a boardwalk bridge.
Follow the course of the Water of Girvan to another kissing gate. The river should be on your right-hand side.
(5) A narrow earth (sometimes overgrown) footpath takes you along the edge of the river and up some wooden steps (in need of repair at the time of writing) to reach a minor road at Craigfad Bridge.
(6) Turn right (West) along the road and at the first corner turn right (North) onto a farm track between Craigfad Cottage and Little Garroch.
Continue along this track through Bennan Woods for approx 1 mile, passing through several gates, to reach a fork.
Keep left (North West) at the fork to follow the way-marked route along a boggy footpath.
(7) 800m along there is an optional detour to the top of Bennan Hill which is clearly signposted – it is a fairly steep climb to the top with nice views en route although the trees block much of the view at the summit itself. If you wish to try it take the left fork (North West) at the sign and look out for a left turn 150m along. This path takes you to the summit. Return via the same path to the sign and turn left (North) to continue the route.
After passing through an area of felled trees along a forestry track, you will reach a gate leading into a field.
Follow the track along the field boundary for 100m before turning right (North) to follow it down the centre of the field towards Bennan Farm.
(8) The road passes through the farm and 200m beyond it look out for a kissing gate on the right (signposted “Car Parks”). Follow this narrow footpath with a burn on your right-hand side, to reach the Water of Girvan.
(9) Cross the large footbridge and continue walking straight ahead (North East) along the edge of the field, with the burn on your left.
Go through the gate at the other side of the field and pass a cottage to reach Main Street.
Turn left (North West) to return to the public car park in Straiton (S/E)
