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!
Start : Large lay-by off Afton Road, just south of Craigdarroch farm. Grid ref. NS 63118 06287
(D/A) Start from the large lay-by off Afton Road, just south of Craigdarroch farm.
Walk south west along Afton Road. The Afton Water should be on your left-hand side.
(1) After approx 1km you will reach a small area of forestry with a car park inside. Walk through the car park and continue South for a further 500m.
(2) The steep grassy slope leading up to Glenafton Reservoir will appear ahead. Follow the footpath uphill to the right. This takes you along the Afton Water and up to the edge of the reservoir.
(3) Turn left (North East) to cross the Afton Water and walk along the edge of the reservoir wall towards a forest at the other side.
Go into the forest and turn right (South East) along a faint track which runs parallel to the reservoir. The reservoir should be on your right-hand side.
(4) Follow the grass/gravel (often boggy) track along the water's edge, over a fence (no stile) and through another section of forestry. After 1.6km turn right (South West) at a path junction onto a wide forestry track.
(5) There is a footbridge over a burn and then the track heads away from the reservoir for a bit. Keep right (West) at a fork approx 200m along from the bridge.
The track then begins to head back towards the reservoir. Heading north now, follow this track with the reservoir on your right-hand side, for 1.7km. There are some information boards dotted along the track which tell you a little of the history of the area. Keep right at any forks along the way to arrive back at the reservoir wall (2).
Retrace your steps from here to the large lay-by off Afton Road, just south of Craigdarroch farm (D/A)
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 316 m - Lay-by south of Craigdarroch farm
1 : km 0.93 - alt. 369 m - Car park in forest
2 : km 1.56 - alt. 406 m - Afton Reservoir wall
3 : km 1.88 - alt. 422 m - Forest
4 : km 3.52 - alt. 425 m - Path junction onto forestry track - turn right
5 : km 3.76 - alt. 428 m - Fork 200m from bridge - keep right
D/A : km 7.48 - alt. 315 m - Lay-by south of Craigdarroch farm
Start : Large lay-by off Afton Road, just south of Craigdarroch farm. Grid ref. NS 63118 06287
Transport
Terrain
Surfaced road and gravel tracks to reach the reservoir. The west side of the reservoir has good wide forestry tracks. The east side has a less distinct, often boggy trail and there is one small fence to climb where there is no stile.
For more information and a walk review, visit Gillian's Walks
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
This walk brings you up Windy Standard from Afton Dam. Enjoy views of Afton Reservoir and wind turbines.
This walks brings you to Blackcraig summit past Blackcraig Farm.
This circular walk will bring you to visit Minehead. Then, go up to reach Coran of Portmark offering amazing views over Loch Doon Below on a clear day and come back via Black Craig.
This walk brings you to visit the Dalcairnie Linn Waterfall. If you would like, extend it up to Auchenroy hill.
This walk goes up Benwhat Monument from Dalmellington past the heritage of an old mining village.
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 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 starts from Loch Doon Castle and goes up Wee Hill of Craigmulloch & Craiglee summits.
For more walks, use our search engine.
The GPS track and description are the property of the author.