Cornish Hill and Loch

Jude Paterson

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This short walk provides some outstanding views of the Galloway Hills and lochs. The walk begins by the Stinchar Bridge and takes you through the forest on a well-maintained Forestry Commission path.

Exiting the forest, the route then rises over the heather-covered hills towards Cornish Hill. From here there are views of Ayrshire's western coastline, Cairnsmore of Carsphairn to the east and the impressive flanks of Shalloch on Minnoch and the Merrick to the south.

Descending the lochside (Cornish Loch) there is an ideal spot for a picnic. The hill loch plays a crucial role in the life of two of Ayrshire's large rivers. The Water of Girvan rises high in the northern corrie of Shalloch on Minnoch and flows into Cornish Loch, to exit the loch at this picnic spot where it then flows north to Girvan. The River Stinchar also originates on Shalloch on Minnoch (on its northern side) where it then flows to the west of Cornish Hill, then due west to the sea at Ballantrae.

The walk continues by following the course of the Water of Girvan, then to meander through the forest and back towards the forest road.

Scotland - South Scotland - Ayrshire and Arran - Galloway Forest Park

Features

Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Moor, Woodland
6/20/2018 - Angela Matthews

We completed this walk on 10/06/2018 and really enjoyed it. At that time there were signs up on the road at Straiton saying road to Newton Stewart closed, but the closure is beyond Stinchar Bridge, so you can still drive along the minor road as in the instructions. The path is all quite good now, so no boggy spots. However after crossing the bridge (waymark 6 on instructions) the path now deviates uphill and probably ends up a bit further down the forest road. It was quite clear to follow and we were close behind a local dog-walker, who confirmed we were on the right path. Angela Matthews

7/18/2011 - Shaun McKittrick

As mentioned by the previous person who commented, the paths have now been upgraded which means from Point 4 > Point 6, there are no boggy areas to walk over, it's just a case of following the path. The walk itself is a plesant one. Unfortunately about 30mins into our walk, it clouded over and rained robbing us of the opportunity to fully appreciate what would have no doubt been stunning views but we enjoyed it nonetheless. Dog friendly walk (no stiles etc) and only a short stretch at the end along a quiet forest road.

8/1/2003 - Joyce & Dougie Howat

Although the start and finish of the walk is the same with spectacular views, the forestry people have made the path slightly different, perhaps to avoid the boggy bits. The path is now firm and stony with no mud, it is easier walking but still not suitable for a wheel chair.