We are the Kilmarnock & Loudoun Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Marty W.
This is a 3.5 - 4 mile / 2-2.5 hour circular route that will begin in Mauchline, in the car park
( Loudoun Street / down side of Fairburn Hotel) at 10:00. Post Code KA55BU.
Travel to Mauchline from Kilmarnock (Bellfield Roundabout) along the A76. When you arrive at Mauchline Cross (traffic lights) take a right turn towards Ayr and the car park / Fairburn Hotel are quickly on your right.
We will start the walk by going through some of the narrow lanes and acknowledging the historical sites, then walk along Kilmarnock Road past the Burns Memorial to the outskirts of the village. We will then turn up to the right and walk up a slight incline/ road into what was known as Tinkers Wood, now renamed the Fairy Trail. The views, provided the weather is kind are tremendous ( Arran, Heads of Ayr, Whitelee wind farm, New Cumnock and Tarbolton.) We will stop for a break at the end of the Fairy Trail as the Mauchline Community Association have very helpfully positioned some picnic tables in the vicinity. We will then head down the hill towards the centre of Mauchline but may veer off to the left and round into a wooded area. This will be weather dependent as there is a burn to cross and fallen trees to negotiate . We will either be back in the centre of Mauchline or on the outskirts (Ballochmyle end) walking back into the centre. At Mauchline Cross we go diagonally into the lane where the Museum is and the side entrance to the church yard. If open the graveyard is worth a wander as it contains a number of marked graves and crypts. The church is next door to the car park where we started our walk and across the road from Robert Burn's favourite local alehouse.
The Fairburn Hotel will be open and I have arranged for some reserved seating in the bar for anyone who will be ready for a coffee or lunch.
Mauchline has strong Covenanter links and also strong links with Robert Burns and his wife Jean Armour. Burns was known to regularly visit the pub Poosie Nancies and be inspired to write about who and what he observed. 4 of his 12 children are buried in the Mauchline Church graveyard.
There is the possibility of boggy ground underfoot in places so gaiters and poles are recommended. As it is early February and we are on high ground it is also very likely to be windy / chilly. We do have to negotiate a road that has no pavement so we will need to be extra vigilant at that point.
Meeting point is at East Ayrshire Headquarters 95 London Road Kilmarnock KA3 7BU where car sharing will be organised. We will leave at 09:30.
The starting point is the car park on Loudoun Street, Mauchline ( Up the side of the Fairburn Hotel). Parking is free and spaces are clearly marked.
