We are the Kilmarnock & Loudoun Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This is a Grade B/B+ walk of approximately 10.5 miles in the Galloway countryside north of St John’s of Dalry.
There is very limited parking at the start of the walk, so we will all meet and park in a large nearby lay-by on the A713 which is 3 miles south of the village of Carsphairn on the right hand side of the road (It is the 2nd layby on the RHS after Carsphairn). We will then ferry people to the start of the walk as required. We start the actual walk from the little wooded “island” of Dundeugh in Kendoon Loch, making our way over a suspension bridge to pass Kendoon Hydro Power Station and up towards the dam where we then follow the Black Water along a pretty riverside path and then open moorland towards a section of the Southern Upland Way over Culmark Hill. We again head over open moorland back towards Kendoon Loch and then follow this back to the start.
This is a very varied walk in quite remote Galloway countryside with lovely views of the surrounding hills on clear days. Much of the route is on rough paths and tracks but there are two sections of open pathless moorland which can be very rough and boggy in places. Boots, poles and gaiters are recommended. There are cattle grazing on some of the areas we are crossing but we will endeavour to stay as far away from them as possible. There are some gates and fences (and one stile) that need to be climbed over.
We will meet at East Ayrshire Council Headquarters, 95 London Road, Kimarnock for car sharing.
From our meeting point in Kilmarnock, take the A77 south to the Ayr bypass until you reach the A713 turning to Damellington. Continue on this road through Patna, Dalmellington and Carsphairn. We will park in a large lay-by on the A713, which is on the RHS of the road 3 miles south of the village of Carsphairn in Dumfies & Galloway. This is the second layby on the RHS of the road after leaving Carsphairn. We will then ferry people the short distance to the start of the walk because of limited car parking at the actual start. Distance to start point from Kilmarnock (one way) – 43 miles Please text leaders if you are going directly to the start point. Isobel 07807781127 Willie 07789249432
