We are the Cunninghame Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Pamela F.
This is a wee cracker of a walk just a spot under 10 miles taking in the picturesque town of Dalry (taking its name from 'Dail Righe' meaning 'the field of the king'), exceptional views over the Garnock Valley with the stunning backdrop of the Clyde Muirshiel hills. Doggartland may derive its name from 'Dogger' which is Scots for a course ironstone, much mined in the area.
Leaving the carpark we skirt briefly through the town, onto a rutted tarmac lane then follow a muddy track through a wooded area and a slightly overgrown path between small trees and hedges before coming out onto a very quiet tarmacked road with a steady incline for at the most, 2 miles. On this road we pass the entrance to Broadlie House, where in 1892 John Fulton installed one of the first hydroelectric plants in Ayrshire as a private supply for his home. The dam can be seen on the Putyan Burn.
Further on is Flashwood Bridge. An impressive, but now largely redundant cast iron bridge which has very elaborate cast-iron balustrades
The road soon opens out to open fields on either side. We’ll have a quick coffee break outside Cubeside Farm before carrying on up Baidland Hill to the trig point and the many wind turbines. It offers (weather permitting) great views of Kaim Hill and Irvine Bay.
Our lunch stop is tucked in a dip to offer shelter from the wind.
Making our descent through open land with views of reservoirs over to the right and left, we do eventually have to follow a path through the muddiest part of the walk but it’s not for long. We come back onto the quiet tarmac road before making our way back to the carpark through residential areas and the town centre.
Meet at Smith Street carpark (no charge) in Dalry KA24 5BZ for a 09.00 departure.
There's a good rail service to Dalry, with at most, a 10-minute walk to the Smith Street carpark. Coming from the direction of Largs one arrives at 08.38 and from the Glasgow direction at 08.48. Please let the walk leader know if you plan to travel on the train from Glasgow and we will be sure to wait for you.
Returning towards Ardrossan Beach departures are every 30 minutes at 17 and 47 minutes past the hour but stations beyond are hourly at 17 minutes past. Returning towards Glasgow they're 08 and 38 minutes past the hour.
There are 3 stiles to cross. Two of which are very greasy and require care.
Walking boots and long trousers are essential. Gaiters are highly recommended as it’s very muddy in parts. Poles could be useful.
There are pubs and cafes in the town.
Morrison's Stevenston car park corner nearest the big roundabout on the A78. I will drive directly to Dalry. Please let me know if you plan to meet at Morrisons to car-share or if starting in Dalry.
Smith Street carpark, Dalry, KA24 5BZ
