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!
(D/A) The walk starts at Mill Square, Catrine. Exit Mill Square onto Bridge Street (opposite side from the main road).
At the end of Bridge Street continue ahead (South) to cross the bridge over the River Ayr.
(1) Almost immediately turn right (North West) to cross a burn.
Turn right (North) and walk along Holm Farm Road. The River Ayr should be on your right-hand side.
(2) After the last house at a bend in the road, continue straight ahead (North West) onto a narrow earth path. The River Ayr should still be on your right-hand side.
(3) Continue to follow this path along the river, passing beneath the A76 viaduct after 1.2km.
Go down some steps to meet up with a minor road. Turn right (West) and cross a stone bridge over the river.
(4) Continue along the road for approx 500m until you reach a footpath on your left with River Ayr Way signage on the gate. At the other side of the gate is a large grassy area.
The path takes you West across the grassy area and into the woods.
(5) Stick to the main footpath through the woods, crossing a footbridge and arriving at the Ballochmyle Viaduct after approx 300m.
Return to Mill Square, Catrine via the same route (D/A)
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 96 m - Mill Square, Catrine
1 : km 0.16 - alt. 94 m - Right turn to cross burn
2 : km 0.56 - alt. 91 m - Narrow earth path ahead
3 : km 1.77 - alt. 103 m - A76 viaduct
4 : km 2.42 - alt. 102 m - Footpath on left with River Ayr Way sign on gate
5 : km 2.78 - alt. 102 m - Ballochmyle Viaduct
D/A : km 5.56 - alt. 96 m - Mill Square, Catrine
For more information and a route review visit Gillian's Walks
Transport
Terrain
Mostly earth footpaths and quiet roads but can be muddy at times. There are some steps on this route.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
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.
Ayr Gorge Woodlands reserve is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Scottish Wildlife Trust Ayrshire. Follow the path of the River Ayr as it flows through a deep red sandstone gorge. This circular / figure-of-eight route takes you around most of the main trails, giving you the opportunity to explore this beautiful ancient woodland including the popular viewpoint at Peden's Cove.
Peden’s Cove is hidden inside Ayr Gorge Woodland, a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve. This beautiful and ancient woodland is formed around an incredible red sandstone canyon, which gives the water of the River Ayr a vibrant red appearance when the sun shines directly onto it! Peden’s Cove, a set of steps carved into the red sandstone cliffs, is reached a mile along the footpath.
A linear walk from the village of Darvel along a fantastic disused railway track to the Spirit of Scotland Monument beneath Loudoun Hill.
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.
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.
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 peaceful walk following the River Irvine between Kilmarnock and Gatehead, returning via the beautiful Caprington Woods and castle.
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