THIS WEEK'S WALKS

Sunday 5th May: Two walks

“B” walk: Darvel: Lanfine and the Plantations

From Ranaldcoup car park in Darvel we enter Lanfine Estate where we will pass the wild boar in their enclosure. We then join a path round a walled garden and continue to Dyke farm and through Dykehill plantation, then Bonnyton plantation where there is a pleasant beech-tree wood. We continue to Parkerston Law where the trees have been harvested, then the last plantation, which is Gallow Law plantation. From here we climb Gallow Law Hill (267m) and have lunch at the cairn. On a clear day there are fine views of the Irvine Valley and beyond. Our descent takes us back on the opposite edge of the plantations and down into Lanfine to retrace our steps back to the cars.

Distance: 9 miles

Total ascent: 400m  

Meet at Ayr College car park at 8.45am for a 9.00am departure. The walk will start in Darvel at 10.00am.

“C+” walk: Bowling to Clydebank (Forth & Clyde Canal)

We will catch the train to Glasgow Central and then on to Bowling, where we join the Forth & Clyde Canal. On the walk we pass a number of locks and the canal is described as a “haven for wildlife”. We will walk underneath the towering Erskine Bridge, go past Dalmuir & Clydebank and on to Temple, Anniesland. The return journey will be from Anniesland Station.

The approximate distance is 9 miles, predominantly on the canal towpath.

Meet at Ayr Railway Station (Station Road side) at 9.00am in order to get the 9.06am shuttle train to Prestwick Town. Alternatively, meet on Platform 1 at Prestwick Town in order to get the 9.20am train to Glasgow Central.

This train gets to Troon at 9.25am and Irvine at 9.31am. Get a return to Bowling, using your Concession Card if you have one.

Those walkers who wish to meet the group in Glasgow Central should meet at the top of the Escalators at 10.10am.