Walks from Kilmarnock

Recommended: Predominantly flat and on good surfaces, following riverside paths along the River Irvine and Annick Water and then a long straight former-railway cycle track and a few kilometres of farmland. Makes good use of underpasses; well signed as cycle route 73. Follows National Cycle Route 73 and is suitable for cycling. The riverside is tucked away through trees and grassland and is rich in nature.

Time: 3h30–7h30

1 lunch spot: the Brae

Warnings: Building work near the river at the Irvine end means some areas are cordoned off; the riverside route itself is unaffected. Giant hogweed grows beside the path in places and should be avoided as it has a nasty sting.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 4h30–9h

Warnings: Follows a busy road for three fifths of the walk.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Country lanes, tracks and field paths through farmland and woodland and with a particularly fine wooded stretch through Dundonald. One straight field section can be very muddy and is best bypassed. The Colennan-to-Dundonald section is part of the official Smugglers Trail. Dundonald Woods is an SSSI.

Time: 4h30–9h

Warnings: The section between Newfield Mains and Rowanhill runs through the middle of a livestock field and is very muddy even in dry weather and impassable when wet; continue via East Lodge and Cherryknowe instead.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A connecting route that takes a busy B road out of Stewarton with insufficient verge to walk on throughout; the final section into Kilmarnock is safer on pavemented roads.

Time: 2h–4h30

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a fifth of the walk. A long section out of Stewarton runs along busy B roads where you must often walk on the carriageway and hop onto the verge as cars pass; vegetation, banking and drainage ditches make the verge unusable in places. Stay attentive, especially if visibility is poor. Unsuitable for those of limited mobility or wary of traffic.

Walk details: Slow Ways.