We are the Kilmarnock & Loudoun Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This park and woodland walk is a C / C+
Categorised because of the terrain in part of the Dean Park and in Craufurdland Wood (roots, fallen trees, hard or soft ground depending on the temperature and some low hanging branches).
Walking poles, boots and gaiters recommended.
It is 6.2 miles (10 km) and will take approximately 4 hours (total) including at least 1 break.
We will meet in the car park of Dean Castle Country Park, KA3 1XB for a 10:00 start. Travelling directly to the walk start point instead of meeting at the usual Ramblers meeting point.
From the carpark we will walk along the river side (on right) with the castle on the left, joining the Farm Trail which is uphill. When we leave the Dean Park we will be road walking along a route which will be familiar to many, crossing the bridge / A77 and entering into Craufurdland Woods. We will walk mainly around the left perimeter of the wood but will zig zag where necessary to avoid the infamous swampy parts of the woods. The Lairds Table will be open (and the take away window) and it will be timely to have a break by the time we reach here.
Once refreshed we will start our walk back to the Dean Park via the part of woods that has the Tree Top Obstacle Course (dont worry we are not taking part, we are walking under and around ) and back via the Castle View trail ( as the name suggests we are passing Craufurdland Castle).
We rejoin the road and walk back into Dean Park following mainly the same route we used to leave the park but we will cross over to walk back in with the river on our left, visit the De Walden Burial Ground ending up at the either the car park or the Visitor Centre / Treehouse Cafe which will also be open.
We may encounter some squirrels, we will certainly hear the birds as we ramble through the woodlands. There are deer in the Dean Park and when we did the recce the ducks were swimming in ever decreasing circles as all but the centre of the pond was frozen!
The floor / ground consists of either well established hardcore paths or well worn trials but there may be some boggy spots, equally the ground may be hard and even icy, hence the suggestion you have walking poles, gaiters and perhaps even cleats. We are not likely to encounter many flowers this early in the season but you will see the potential for spring / bluebells as we ramble.
For those of you who like woodland walks this one is a fun.
Car park in Dean Castle Country Park
