Galston - Quarryhouse - Target Wood - Sornhill - Quarryhouse - Galston

Derek Smith

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This is a well-established and popular Irvine valley walk known as The Burn Anne Walk; for half of the mainly circular route, it follows this babbling burn. The paths at the beginning are very well used, and your downhill return route along a quiet lane offers magnificent views of the distant Ayrshire coast and Arrun. At the start the paths are easy to follow but as you near the top of Target Wood there is a choice of unmarked paths to test your navigating skills. The burn is often at the bottom of a tree filled gully, and the paths are mainly along the top so the best view of it you will get is from the footbridge which crosses it. It is this footbridge which is the start and end of the circular part of the route as on your return you will be walking back from the footbridge along the same paths. There is a mixture of gates and most of them are wooden and old, (see photo on the right), all of them in good order; there are no stiles. The section towards the top of the hill is quite a steep but the narrow path is good.

The walk is most suitable for teenagers, senior citizens and anyone in-between. Excellent for dogs, but hopeless for wheelchairs and buggies. Suitable footwear will be anything flat soled, but boots will be best and there should be no problems for anyone wearing shorts. There are no refreshments, shops or toilets on the route. You will pass the occasional bench seat and there is a dilapidated picnic table near the top of the hill. However, you will find all facilities and service in Galston town near the beginning of the walk.

Scotland - South Scotland - Ayrshire and Arran - Countryside