Dow Hill Walk at Girvan 3.5km. The little energy that is expended in doing this local favourite brings a rich reward. En route a good track climbs over the Ayr to Stranraer railway line and goes past a deep ravine locally known as "Sundown Valley". At the head of the ravine is a delightful spot where two burns meet. The Dow Hill (Pronounced doo) at 518ft is the site of an ancient fort and a good viewpoint. From the top there are breathtaking views of the Byne Hill, Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran, the Firth of Clyde and the town of Girvan. The walk is completed by descending South West to the railway line and along the footpath adjacent to the main road. After a rest from this short excursion the local town is well worth a visit. Girvan is a traditional Clyde Coast tourist and fishing town. Its harbour is a centre of attraction for visitors with sea angling trips to Ailsa Craig. There are many interesting buildings including a townhouse tower built in 1789 known as "Stumpy Tower". Another imposing building is the McKechnie institute, built in Scots Baronial style in 1888. It is now used as a local art and exhibition centre.
NB. The section of the original route through Brochneil and Daltippen farm steadings is no longer available, please use the alternative route described below. The walk starts at the Shallochpark car park just south of Girvan. You can walk south along the recently formed footway at the side of the A77 and across the Myoch Bridge, here turn left, onto a stone track. Follow this track away from the road. The track turns south, gradually climbing up the hill, heading towards the monument, and the summit of the hill. Below the ridge is the monumental obelisk situated in a prominent position above Ardmillan House. This was erected in memory of Major A.C.B. Craufuird who served in H.M. Forces in India. He also took part in the landing at and capture of the Cape of Good Hope in 1795. From the shoulder of Byne Hill to the summit there is one of the best views in the district: the Firth of Clyde with Ailsa Craig and Arran. On a clear day the Antrim Hills of Northern Ireland can be seen on the horizon. Inland in the distance are the Galloway Hills including the Merrick.
Laggan Walk at Girvan 7km. The first part of the route follows the old right of way to Barr. Fine views are afforded of the Byne Hill and the pass over which runs the high road between the Carrick shore and the Assel and Stinchar Valleys. A mile further on is Laggan Loch an almost perfectly circular Loch Legend has it that the outline of a ploughman complete with yoke can he seen on the surface of the Loch. He was reputed to have been lost in mud at the bottom. Crossing the drystone dyke the route continues on the track before branching right over the whaleback summit of Laggan Hill. This is an area which is still predominantly farmed for hill cattle and sheep. The dominant feature is Ailsa Craig A volcanic plug thrusting over a thousand feet from the Firth of Clyde and silhouetted against the sky. The remains of a ruined castle can be seen on the island, which is now a bird sanctuary and is one of the largest colonies of gannets in the British Isles. To complete the walk back turn right at the A714 and follow the footpath back to the town.
Girvan to Barr Hill Path 10km.The path follows the initial route of the Dow Hill and Laggan Loch path. Past the loch the path separates and drops down to Tormitchell via the ruins of Barbae Farm and the Water of Assel Valley. A track leads to Dupin and then by footpath uphill over Auchensoul Hill (1029ft), which gives fine views over Barr and the beautiful Stinchar Valley. The path emerges on the Old Dailly to Barr road known locally as "The Screws" before entering Barr via the old Stinchar Bridge built in 1787. The conservation village of Barr is well worth a visit with its attractive rows of unspoilt 18th and 19th century vernacular buildings. The area has a considerable covenanting history and in the old churchyard there are two martyrs' stones. In summer the village hall provides afternoon teas. Further walks can be explored a mile east of the village in Changue Forest. A car park with an information board is sited detailing the network of four circular walks.
Pinmore Walk at Girvan 17km. The distance involved makes this a challenging walk, however it is most rewarding and full of interest. Follow the good track between Sundown Valley and Dow Hill. This hill and moorland route branches off to Dalfask Farm and Pinmore. The route passes close to Dinvin Motte reputed to be the finest prehistoric fort in Ayrshire. It is situated on a dominating ridge just north of Pinmore. It consists of a central mound and defended by two well defined circular ramparts and ditches. Just below Dinvin is the 496 metres long railway tunnel on the Girvan Stranraer line, built in 1877. The route now lies from Pinmore down the quiet valley of The Water of Lendal. On a rough moorland path the route skirts the Grey Hills, a wildlife reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Special features are patches of herb-rich turf situated on outcrops of Serpentine rock, only to be found in four other localities in the British Isles. From the path you look down on Loch Lochton where there is a fine display of both white and yellow water lilies. There are magnificent views over the surrounding countryside on your return.
Girvan is a coastal town in the south of Ayrshire with great views over to Arran and Ailsa Craig. Walks here stretch into the neighbouring hills with great views. Fields and farms, prehistoric sites and rural history combine with one of Scotland's impressive beaches. After a walk stop off in Girvan for a stroll along the beach front.