We are the Glasgow Ramblers. If you enjoy walking or want to give it a try come and join us.
Margaret D.
The Smugglers' Trail offers extremely varied terrain, including beach, golf course, fields, pavement, reservoir and woods.The trail was an ancient route used in the 18th century to transport tea, wine, brandy ,rum and tobacco inland from cargo boats arriving in Troon. From Troon Railway Station we head down to South Beach, along the Wrack Road across Royal Troon Golf Course and past Crosbie Kirk which had its roof blown off on the 25th of January 1759, the night Rabbie Burns was born. Since then it is supposed to be haunted! We then head to Fullarton House and Fullarton Woods where we shall have both our morning and afternoon breaks. There are are toilet facilities and tables and benches for public use. Leaving Fullarton Woods we walk along a lane between fenced fields emerging onto the A759 Road. We now face a longish section of pavement walking towards the pretty village of Loans and then cross the A759, passing a cluster of houses and farm buildings. From there we pass Collennan Reservoir which until the 1960's supplied water to Troon. The next section through the beautiful, ancient woodland beneath Dundonald Castle involves some fairly steep uphill sections, but hopefully we will be treated to the scent of wild garlic and carpets of bluebells. Finally, it's a short climb to Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre where we can make use of the facilities. After lunch we retrace our steps back to Troon.
This is a long, moderate walk so please ensure you take plenty of snacks and plenty of water. Dundonald Visitors' Centre will be open, but in order to make use of the toilets it is recommended that you buy a small snack/drink. When we arrive at Loans on the way back, walkers have the option of shortening the walk by taking the bus back to Troon. If you wish to come on the walk you must contact the leader in advance by email, text or phone call but not more than two weeks in advance (ie 22nd March). Also please provide the leader with a mobile number in case arrangements change. Walkers should not come if they have any Covid symptoms. Meeting Point: Glasgow Central station outside Marks and Spencer at 0940 in order to catch the 1000 train to Troon. Please buy a return ticket to Troon. Trains from Troon back to Central station run on a half hourly basis, at 16mins and 46 mins past the hour.
Meet at 09:40 outside M&S Central Station in order to catch the 10:00 train. Please purchase a return ticket to Troon
