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Cunninghame Group, North Ayrshire

We are the Cunninghame Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

Mostly paths, tracks and a short section on a minor road with an optional short moorland climb.

The walk starts from the large sculpture, Monarch of the Glen, by George Wylie. The route follows a well reconstructed path through the "fairy glen", which has been recognised in the Scottish Walking Awards as "the most improved walking place" in Scotland. The path ascends 15 staircases and crosses 8 bridges always following the Cartsburn, as it cascades over spectacular waterfalls through beautiful natural scenery. We emerge out of the Glen onto a grass path to Whinhill Reservoir. We carry on briefly though the golf course to the club house, where we turn left onto a minor road, which we follow for about half a mile before picking up a track on our left that takes us to the base of Corlick Hill. We stop here for lunch after returning from the short climb to the summit. On a clear day there are great views over the Clyde, which we can also enjoy on our return route as it continues along the (likely wet underfoot) track before we turn off the track over rougher terrain down towards the Craigieknowe Burn, crossing at a narrow point, picking up the faint path down to a Water Shaft. We pick up a track again, returning to Whinhill Reservoir for the descent through the Glen back to our starting point.    

Sunday, 5 January 2025
Start time:
9:30 am
Estimated finish time:
1:30 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
10.5km / 6.5mi
Ascent:
318.8m / 1046ft
Type:
circular

Care needed on the staircases, especially if they are wet, and on the minor road.

One well-made stile to cross.

Waterproof boots recommended and poles if you use them.

Nearest train station is Whinhill.

 

Features

  • Accessible by public transport
  • Car parking available
  • No car needed

Starting point

Grid reference:
NS 28783 74814
Nearest postcode:
PA15 3LE
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Start time:
9:30 am

Parking available at several places on Kilmacolm Road across from the glen entrance. Whinhill Rail Station a few minutes walk.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking