THIS WEEK'S WALKS

Saturday 11th May: Three walks

“A” walk: Beninner to Cairnsmore of Carsphairn

Starting from the Green Well of Scotland, this is a pleasant walk to a couple of Northern Galloway's higher peaks – the Corbett Cairnsmore of Carsphairn (797m) and its outlier Benniner (710m). This time, weather permitting, we will do the circuit anti-clockwise, starting with the ascent of Beninner, then dropping down slightly in a northwesterly direction before the final climb to the summit of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. From here there are wonderful views to the Windy Standard and Kells ranges on a clear day. For the descent, we will head south over Black Shoulder, then continue over Dunool and Willieanna before joining the outward track back to the Green Well.

The route involves a mixture of walking surfaces including gravel track and open hillside with some boggy areas. Walking poles and gaiters recommended.

Distance: around 9 miles; total ascent about 2,400 feet.

PLEASE NOTE: If the weather and visibility are not ideal, we may alter the walk and climb Cairnsmore of Carsphairn by the more traditional route.

Meet at Ayr College at 8.45am for a 9.00am departure.

“C+/B” walk: Bankers & Tulloch Bridge, then Doon the Railway, Darvel

This 9-mile (moderate) walk is part of the Valley WalkFest (Irvine Valley Walking Festival) programme. Starting from Darvel Parish Church Hall, the route begins with a steepish climb up the Bankers and is a chance to enjoy the recent improvements to the Long Cairn path. There will be a lunch stop at the Spirit of Scotland before returning to Darvel down the old railway line.

Registration starts from 10.00am at Darvel Parish Church Hall, Ranoldcoup Road, Darvel KA17 0JU. The walk starts from there at 10.30am.

Tea/coffee and toilet facilities are available at the Church Hall.

Meet at Ayr College car park at 9.00am for a 9.15am departure to Darvel.

“C” walk: Loudoun Castle Walk, Galston

This 6-mile (easy) walk is part of the Valley WalkFest (Irvine Valley Walking Festival) programme. Starting from Galston BB Mission Hall, the walk visits Loudoun Kirk, then continues to Loudoun Castle in the beautiful setting of Loudoun Estate, followed by a gentle stroll back to Galston.

Registration starts from 11.00am at Galston BB Mission Hall, 11a Orchard Street, Galston KA4 8ER. (Entrance beside Original Factory Shop, Park Road). The walk starts from there at 11.30am.

Tea/coffee and toilet facilities are available at the Mission Hall.

Meet at Ayr College car park at 10.00am for a 10.15am departure to Galston.