kilmarnock and loudoun group logo

Kilmarnock & Loudoun Group

We are the Kilmarnock & Loudoun 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

Overview

This is a B+ grade walk of around 9.2 miles and 1719 feet of ascent. The walk should take around 6 hours to complete. We start on a tarmac road, passing the Drumjohn Hydro-electric power station. From here we will be on a mixture of forest tracks and tarmac until we start our ascent. Knockower hill is our first climb, although we don't go as far as the summit. Instead we follow a path that leads to the summit of Coran of Portmark. There are great views of Loch Doon from the top. From here we follow a short path over to Bow, where the views over Loch Doon and the surrounding area are even more spectacular. Now we re-trace our steps back to the start point, taking care on the descent as the path may be slippery in places.

Saturday, 8 March 2025
Meeting time:
8:15 am
Start time:
9:30 am
Estimated finish time:
3:30 pm
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Distance:
14.8km / 9.2mi
Ascent:
524m / 1719ft
Type:
circular

We will leave our meeting point at 08.30. To get to the start point, follow the A77 south to the Ayr bypass. From the bypass take the A713 towards Dalmellington. After going through Dalmellington you will reach the turning for Loch Doon. Stay on the A713 for exactly 4.5 miles past this point to reach a layby on the right side of the road, our start point. Total return travel distance is 66 miles. I would suggest £18 per car. Good boots and walking are required. Gaiters advised if the weather is,or has been wet. If you intend to travel directly to the start point, please contact me, Ken Stow 07543698477

Features

  • Car parking available
  • Car sharing available
  • No Stiles

Meeting point

Grid reference:
NS 43951 37511
Nearest postcode:
KA3 7 BU
what3words:
website.conundrums.calibrates
Meeting time:
8:15 am

East Ayrshire council offices carpark, London road, Kilmarnock

Starting point

Grid reference:
NX 52513 97692
Nearest postcode:
DG7 3TH
what3words:
order.subsystem.nags
Start time:
9:30 am

Layby on A713 near Drumjohn power station.

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