Walks you can reach from Kirkconnel by train

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: 5h (3h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

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.

Glorious views all around; rewarding views. A long route with lots of tarmac but lovely scenery. A quiet road climbs steadily out of New Cumnock onto a well-maintained forestry track, then a short, slightly unclear grassy path through long grass at the top, before cinder and tarmac tracks descend to Kirkconnel. A short stretch of the A76 (with pavement) and then quiet country roads into Sanquhar. Kirkconnel has a supermarket, toilets and a bench. The route passes a former quarry and wind turbines with a well-signposted work site at the top.

Time: 7h30 (5h30 walking, 1h30 lunch, 30m break)

Lunch: Kirkconnel, roughly mid-route, has a supermarket and toilets.

Warnings: Pathhead has no pavement; the road is fairly straight with good visibility but care is needed for passing farm and windfarm traffic. One short section of long grass at the high point is a little unclear.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 11h (9h walking, 1h30 lunch, 30m break)

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

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 6h30 (5h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 6h30 (5h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Reverse direction: Railwalks.

Time: 14h30 (11h30 walking, 1h30 lunch, 1h30 break)

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 6h (4h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

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: 6h (4h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

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.

Time: 6h (4h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a third of the walk.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 5h (3h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

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

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Woodland: a quarter under tree cover.

Time: 8h30 (6h30 walking, 1h30 lunch, 30m break)

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 11h (8h30 walking, 1h30 lunch, 1h break)

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a third of the walk.

Walk details: Slow Ways.