Girvan Trails

Walking Trails

Trails around Byne Hill

There are some stunning views from the summits of the Byne Hill, including views of the Firth of Clyde, Ailsa Craig, and Arran. On a clear day the Antrim Hills of Northern Ireland can be seen on the horizon. Inland, in the distance, are the Galloway Hills, including the Merrick. The region is steeped in history, and there are some clues, regarding this, to be found on the hills. Below the ridge of the Byne Hill is a monumental obelisk situated in a prominent position above Ardmillan House. This was erected in memory of Major A.C.B. Craufuird who served in H.M. Forces in India. He also took part in the landing at, and capture of, the Cape of Good Hope in 1795.

Due to landownership issues, we cannot promote a specific route to the summit of Byne Hill. However, the right of responsible access, under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, applies in this area as it does throughout Scotland.

Trails to Byne Hill start at the Shallochpark car park, just south of Girvan. You can walk south along the recently formed footway at the side of the A77 and across the Myoch Bridge. Beyond the bridge you may cross the road, and access routes leading to the summit of the hill, over which general access rights are exercisable.

More information on Girvan Trails leaflet and Walkhighlands.

Laggan Trail 7 km / 4.5 miles

The first part of the route follows the old right of way to Barr. Fine views are a orded of the Byne Hill and of the high road between the Carrick shore and the Assel and Stinchar Valleys. A mile further on is Laggan Loch, an almost perfectly circular Loch. Legend has it that the outline of a ploughman complete with yoke can be seen on the surface of the Loch. He was reputed to have been lost in mud at the bottom. Crossing the drystone dyke the route continues on the track before branching right near the whaleback summit of Laggan Hill. This is an area which is still predominantly farmed for hill cattle and sheep.

The dominant feature is Ailsa Craig. A volcanic plug thrusting over a thousand feet from the Firth of Clyde and silhouetted against the sky. The remains of a ruined castle can be seen on the island, which is now a bird sanctuary and one of the largest colonies of gannets in the British Isles. To complete the trail back, turn right at the A714 and follow the footpath back to the town.

More information on Girvan Trails leaflet.

Girvan to Barr Hill Trail 10 km / 6 miles

The trail follows the initial route of the Dow Hill and Laggan Trails. Past the loch the trail separates and drops down to Tormitchell via the ruins of Barbae Farm and the Water of Assel Valley. A track leads to Dupin and then by footpath uphill over Auchensoul Hill (1029ft), which gives fineviews over Barr and the beautiful Stinchar Valley. The path emerges on the Old Dailly to Barr road known locally as “The Screws” before entering Barr via the old Stinchar Bridge built in 1787. The conservation village of Barr is well worth a visit with its attractive rows of unspoilt 18th and 19th century vernacular buildings. The area has a considerable covenanting history and in the old churchyard there are two martyrs’ stones.

Further trails can be explored a mile east of the village in Changue Forest, where a car park with an information board is sited detailing the network of trails.

More information on Girvan Trails leaflet.

Pinmore Trail 17 km / 11 miles

The distance involved makes this a challenging walk, but with plenty of points of interest it is certainly worth the effort. Follow the good track between Sundown Valley and Dow Hill. This hill and moorland route branches of to Dalfask Farm and Pinmore. The route passes close to Dinvin Motte, reputed to be the finest prehistoric fort in Ayrshire and one of the best preserved mottes in Scotland. It is situated on a dominating ridge just north of Pinmore, and consists of a central mound defended by two well defined circular ramparts and ditches. Just below Dinvin is the 496 metres long Pinmore railway tunnel on the Girvan Stranraer line, built in 1877. The route now lies from Pinmore down the quiet valley of the Water of Lendal. On a rough moorland path the route skirts the Grey Hills, a wildlife reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Special features are patches of herb-rich turf situated on outcrops of Serpentinite rock, only to be found in four other places in the British Isles. From the path you look down on Loch Lochton where there is a fine display of both white and yellow water lilies. There are magnificent views over the surrounding countryside on your return.

More information on Girvan Trails leaflet.

Facilities

Car park off A77 just past the Shallochpark roundabout at the south of Girvan, KA26 0HW

Refreshments at the kiosk in the car park, Girvan KA26 0HW, The Quay Zone at the harbour, Knockcushan St, Girvan KA26 9AG and the centre of Girvan

Picnic benches along the shore at the car park Girvan, KA26 0HW

Public toilets at the car park Girvan, KA26 0HW

More Info

• Download Girvan Trails leaflet

• Girvan Attractions website