We are the Eastwood Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Straiton is a beautiful quiet village in South Ayrshire, surrounded by lovely countryside. This walk goes through the village then up Craigower, a steep hill with a monument on the top to commemorate Lt Col James Hunter Blair, MP for Ayrshire, who was killed in the Crimean War in 1854. The climb is steep but rewarded by beautiful views of the Ayrshire countryside and on a good day Ailsa Craig and Goat Fell. The walk continues down the far side of the hill across steep grassy moorland to the river Girvan. A narrow path, which is overgrown but passable, leads to a bridge across the river. The walk follows the valley through native woodland then the felled plantation of Bennan Wood. We have previously climbed Bennan Hill but the path has disappeared due to the forestry works, so we continue back towards the village making a small loop round the Church Trail. We plan to have coffee in The Buck, the village café.
Can be muddy, boots essential, consider gaiters and poles. The climb and descent are short but steep.
The start of the walk is from the car park on the right at the entrance to the village. If this is full there is unrestricted parking on the Main Street.
Please text the evening before if you are coming on the walk on 07766 756048
Local grade B
Clarkston car park.
Car park on the right at the entrance to the village.
