Douglas Park- Largs-Circular

This walk was to be Douglas Park/Fechan path circular, however the installation of deer fences and planting of trees has meant that the original planned walk where we would have turned right to return via the Fechan path is not a viable option at this time. The walk for Saturday 2nd August will cover similar ground as the original planned walk which will be a circular 7 mile, B+ walk turning left instead of right.

Stage one: We will meet outside Largs railway station at 10 am (train gets in at 9.49 am) and walk the short distance to Douglas Park in Largs. If driving, you have the option of parking at Cathcart Street in Largs KA30 8JB which is next to Douglas Park and meeting the group at the gates to the Park. We will walk through the park and take the wider route via the 'Chambered Cairn', up through the trees, crossing a path and going up the many steps to reach the view point at the top where we will stop for a coffee break and admire the view. Hazards on this stage: exposed tree roots, stepping over fallen trees, steps.

Stage two: We will then follow the grassy paths to a series of cairns (6/7), the ground underfoot is grassy and spongy in some parts. I would recommend that you bring walking poles if you have them as two of the small hills have steep inclines in places. At our last cairn we follow a grassy path which leads onto a rough road. We will stop a short way up this road at a bridge/weir for lunch. Hazards on this stage: boggy ground in parts, steep inclines.

Stage three: Following lunch we will continue on the path round to the Greeto Falls bridge admiring the wonderful sea views. After crossing the bridge we will take the lower path down towards the Gogo burn, going through trees and over a red bridge. We will then go up a narrow embankment, care requires to be taken on this section, we work our way up and follow a narrow path through bracken back to Douglas Park where we descend to the Gates and the walk ends approximately at 3.30/4 pm.

Hazards on this stage:  Narrow paths, exposed tree roots, care required to navigate. NB should the weather be wet, then I would miss out part of stage 3 (ie we won't cross the red bridge, rather we will return to Largs/Douglas Park via Flatt Road instead).