Newmilns - Big Wood - Woodhead - Devil's Basin - Newmilns
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Save Our Footpaths - get off the beaten track; part of this circular walk is along a footpath which is not often used. The first half mile gently uphill next to the Loudoun Gowf Club (a very old club with an ancient name), is well used by local dog walkers and has a nice wide path through excellent woodland. (Photo on the right). It then curves at the top of the wood with fallen trees to negotiate before passing an open area where the path disappears, and the route is obscured by long grass in muddy ground which is probably quite boggy in winter. This is followed by another rarely used short section which requires access through a difficult gate. This is followed by a long walk along a quite country lane with good views across the Irvin valley before dropping down through the wooded 'Devil's Basin' to a long footpath flight of rustic steps down the hill to the main road - and then back along the main road to the layby where you parked.
This walk is suitable for teenagers, senior citizens and anyone in-between. Good for dogs, but hopeless for wheelchairs and buggies. Suitable footwear will be anything flat soled in summer, but boots will be best in winter or after heavy rain; and there should be no problems for anyone wearing shorts. There are no refreshments, toilets or shops on the route; no picnic tables - and the only bench seat is on the A71 at the bottom of the steps footpath.
Scotland - South Scotland - Ayrshire and Arran - Countryside
Features
Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Public Transport, Wildlife, Woodland