We are the Cunninghame Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This is a spectacular, 6 miles, B grade, moderate walk (but with a fairly steep but steady hill climb) which will start from the small car park at the north end of Outerwards Reservoir.
This walk offers fantastic views over the Firth of Clyde. Most of the route follows no recognisable paths. The underfoot conditions are typical moorland vegetation, wet in places but surprisingly springy and easy walking. Walking boots essential and poles are a massive help going up the hill. Wet weather gear advised.
No stiles but 2 or 3 fences to climb.
Very soon after Vikingar!, turn right into Douglas Street, pass Brisbane Cemetery then carry on Brisbane Glen Road for about 4 miles. Watch out for the car park on the left where we start the walk. There's a small 'car park' sign on the opposite side. Alternative parking at Castlehill Road, 0.8 miles before this point.
Leaving the car park we enter a lovely plantation and follow a grass path to the rather run down picnic area. A faint path continues beside the burn until we reach a shoogly fence. Once over, the route climbs steadily up Black Craigs and ever more steeply to the Coxy Hills. With little respite we climb steadily on to the aptly named Peat Hill.
Now heading south along the ridge our route flattens out and the going is easier. With Lairdside Hill directly ahead of us we head for Tourgill Glen. One more fence to negotiate and we pick up a grass track which descends to the more substantial track down to Tourgill Farm. We now join the Brisbane Glen road back to the reservoir and carpark. This last mile is tarmac but the stunning scenery continues to relieve the pain of tarmac walking!
We will meet at Morrison's, Stevenston at 08.50am for a 9am departure. Go to the car park corner furthest from the supermarket doors. From here we share cars and offer lifts. For car sharer info, the round trip is 40 miles.
Driving directions: Take the Brisbane Glen road from Largs towards Loch Thom. Please note this is a single lane with passing places. From the Brisbane Glen Cemetery, to the car park for the start of the walk it is about 4 miles. There is a small 'car park' sign on the right side of the road indicating the spot. Please share cars as there is limited parking here. Alternative parking is available at Castlehill Cottages (on the right 0.8 miles before the reservoir car park). The Castlehill Cottages road parking option will mean walking the road up to the reservoir at the start and avoiding this same 0.8 miles at the end.
