Afton Water and Glenafton from Danny's Brig

Start: Drive or walk along Afton Road, just south of downtown New Cumnock. Cars can be parked on the road just past the cemetery entrance (Grid ref. NS 61520 12391).

(S/E) From Afton Road, walk down the track on the left (East) towards the river crossing the bridge known locally as "Danny's Brig".

(1) Turn right immediately to go upstream at the signpost. The riverside path is mostly easy, although a little care is required through a wooded area due to erosion of the path in places. After passing through a meadow area and a bend in the river you will come to a metal gate.

(2) Go through onto the farm track (to Dalhanna Farm), turn right to cross the river again and ascend back up to Afton Road.

(3) Turn right here to walk back Northwards along this minor road. Although this is usually quiet with traffic, do take care, walking facing oncoming traffic where possible.

(4) Along the way, after 500m or so, there is a short optional detour at this place. A cairn was erected by New Cumnock Burns Club in 1973 to mark the 50th anniversary of the club and a path takes one down to a peaceful, grassy area next to the river.

Continuing on the minor road will take you back to the start of the walk (S/E).

Start & Parking:
Leave the roundabout in the village where the A76 has a 90 degree turn. This has you briefly on the B741, but after just 50m take the first L onto Afton Road.
Continue south along Afton Road until you reach the cemetery on your L. Cars can be parked on the road just past the cemetery entrance (Grid ref. NS 61520 12391: what3words texts.science.poker).

Transport: New Cumnock village can be reached by public transport.

• Rail including from Glasgow, Barrhead and Kilmarnock (1 mile from the station to start of walk)
• 43 bus from Ayr (alight at New Cumnock Primary school, 0.5 mile to start of walk).

Refreshments : Plakous Cafe at Afton Bridgend in New Cumnock (closed Sunday and Monday) for tea or coffee after a walk is highly recommended!

Lots of bird life along the way, including possible sightings of Kingfisher, Dipper and Grey Wagtail by the river, with a good variety of woodland birds in spring and summer.

Just 100 m to the west of the start of the walk is a memorial to the miners who died and to those who survived the Knockshinnoch coal mine disaster in 1950. Further details here.