Glasgow to Paisley Section 1
Glasgow to Paisley 13.5 Miles (22 Kms)
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Footpaths, Pavements, Bridges, Busy roads. Care and attention to be taken crossing roads.
This is where your Pilgrimage begins.
Glasgow is a wonderful and vibrant City that you may wish to spend some time exploring before setting off on your Pilgrimage.
Glasgow Cathedral is on the site where Saint Mungo patron saint of Glasgow, built his original church.
St Andrew's Cathedral
After leaving the Cathedral and going down High Street, you will notice a mural painted on a building. This mural depicts a modern day St Mungo painted by Australian street artist Sam Bates ‘aka Smug.
St Andrew's Cathedral
From the 'Squinty Bridge.'
St Andrew's Cathedral
Along Clyde street, you will see the splendour of St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. This Gothic Revival Cathedral was designed by Architect James Gillespie Graham and opened in 1816
Dolores Ibarruri .
From the 'Squinty Bridge.'
From the 'Squinty Bridge.'
The walk along the River Clyde is outstanding, passing the monument of Dolores Ibarruri a heroine and leader of the Spanish Republican and Communists movement.
From the 'Squinty Bridge.'
From the 'Squinty Bridge.'
From the 'Squinty Bridge.'
Walking over the Central Arc or ‘Squinty’ bridge, and along the River Clyde, you will notice some remains of Glasgow’s proud shipbuilding industry.
Towards Govan, and just off your route you will reach Govan Old Parish Church. This Church houses an amazing collection of Christian Stones including Viking Hogback Tombstones.
After a while on the route you will pass Braehead Shopping Centre, then heading towards Renfrew, you follow the banks of the White Cart Water and pass Renfrew Golf Club. This Scenic walk leads you to the St Conval’s Chariot and Argyll Stone at the Normandy Hotel.
Take extra care crossing the road near the Bascule Swing Bridge and head onto the Abbotsinch Road and pass Glasgow Airport.
This long road leads you into Paisley and Paisley Abbey. This Abbey was founded in 1163 as a Cluniac Monastery. It is believed that Saint Mirin founded a community on this site in the 7th century.
Close by is St Mirin’s Roman Catholic Cathedral built in 1931 near the site of an earlier Church of 1808.
Paisley to Lochwinnoch Section 2
Section 2
Section 2
Section 2
Paisley to Lochwinnoch 10 miles (16kms)
Grade: Easy.
Terrain: Footpaths and Cycle/Access trails.
After leaving Paisley Abbey, you cross over the White Cart River at Bridge Street. Passing near St Mathews Church with its outstanding Art Nouveau architecture. www.paisleystmatthews.org/the-building.html.
Nearby this Church, you will walk past a beautiful mural by artists Mark Worst, and Ross Dinnett.
www.paisleyfirst.com/projects/art-murals-projects
Section 2
Section 2
Section 2
Walking along the National Route 7 cycle/access path, you will come to Castlehead Cemetery, where Paisley’s famous Poet, Robert Tannahill is buried.
www.poetsgraves.co.uk/tannahil
Continuing on the cycle/access path on the path to Lochwinnoch, there is a fascinating tower situated to your left on top of Kenmuir Hill.
www.lochwinnoch.info/history/local-tales/traditions-of-the-tower
Near Lochwinnoch, on your right, just off the route, is the 16thCentury Castle Semple Collegiate Church.
www.ancient-scotland.co.uk/site.php?a=197
Lochwinnoch to Kilwinning Section 3
Section 3
Lochwinnoch to Kilwinning 13 Miles (21kms)
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Footpaths, Cycle/access paths, and minor roads
After leaving Lochwinnoch and following the cycle/access path, on your right, you will see Barr Castle, a well preserved 16thCentury castle.
Keeping on the cycle/access path and heading towards Kilbirnie.
The Kilbirnie Auld Kirk is nearby and just off the route. A 15thCentury Pre Reformation Church, which stands on a much earlier site, of a previous church.
https://canmore.org.uk/site/42216/kilbirnie-parish-church-and-cemetery
Heading towards Kilwinning on Blair Road turn right before the Weak Bridge sign and continue on Blair Road to the Lodge House entrance gate. This route takes you through the most outstanding gardens of the Blair Estate. You are welcome to use the designated path. Please respect the privacy of the owners and not wander towards the main house. You will exit onto Blair Road, turn right and rejoin the route. Continuing on to Kilwinning care should be taken on Blair road as there are blind bends going uphill.
http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00061
On reaching your destination at Kilwinning, you will see in the distance the 12th Century Kilwinning Abbey, which was founded by the monks of the Tironensian Order.
http://kilwinning.org/abbey/default.htm
Kilwinning to Troon Section 4
Section 4
Kilwinning to Troon 12 Miles (19 Kms)
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Cycle/Access Paths, Beach, busy roads at Irvine and Troon.
On leaving Kilwinning Abbey at Vault Lane, turn left onto Church Street and follow the Whithorn Way signs along the banks of the River Garnock.
Continuing on, the route takes you to Irvine.
At Irvine, you pass the Fullerton Connexions Church.
This very welcoming centre has toilets and café, but to check the notices for opening times.
http://fullartonconnexions.co.uk/
Keep with the Whithorn Way, towards Irvine Harbour.
Continue walking to Troon along the coastal path or on the long stretches of sands.
You will pass one of the many, excellent golf courses in this area, before arriving at Troon,
There are beautiful Churches to visit.
St Ninians Scottish Episcopal Church
Bentinck Dr, Ayrshire, Troon KA10 6HZ
Designed in Arts & Crafts Gothic by James A Morris,
Our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Meddan’s (Roman Catholic)
4 Cessnock Rd, Troon KA10 6NJ
Architectural Style: Gothic Revival architecture.
Portland Parish Church (Church of Scotland)
2 St. Meddans Street , Troon , KA10 6JU
Architectural Style: Perpendicular Gothic style.
Troon Old Parish Church (Church of Scotland)
Ayr Street
Troon
KA10 6EB
Architectural Style: Neo-Gothic
Troon to Ayr Section 5
Section 5
Troon to Ayr 9.5 Miles (15 Kms) Grade: Easy Terrain: Cycle/ Access paths, beaches, busy roads i
Stay on the Whithorn Way or walk on the stunning beach alongside the Royal Troon Golf Course towards Ayr.
Just before Prestwick Holiday Park, you must come off the beach to pass the Park. On passing the Prestwick Holiday Park, continue along the beach or the Ayrshire Coastal Path.
On your left at Prestwick are the remains of St Nicholas’s Church.
https://canmore.org.uk/site/41702/prestwick-kirk-street-old-parish-church
Just after the sailing club go left onto Maryborough Road. This slight detour from the route leads to Bruce’s Well, St Ninian’s Chapel, and Leper Hospital.
https://southayrshirehistory.wordpress.com/2014/06/26/ayrshire-bruce-and-bannockburn/
Retrace your steps back onto the Whithorn Way and continue to Newton-on-Ayr and towards the main town of Ayr.
There are many Churches within Ayr. e.g.
The Cathedral Church of Saint Margaret,
Architectural Style: Gothic
27 John St, Ayr KA8 0BS
St Leonard’s Parish Church.
46 St. Leonards Rd, Ayr KA7 2PT
Architectural Style: Geometric period of Decorated Gothic
One of Ayr's many historical attractions is the beautiful 12th Century Church dedicated to St John the Baptist (known as St Johns Tower) https://www.stjohnstower.com/
Leaving from St John’s Tower, walk along Cassillis Street leading onto Charlotte Street. Turn left onto the Esplanade and follow the Whithorn Way
In the distance, you will see the ruins of Greenan Castle.
Ayr to Maybole Section 6
Section 6
Ayr to Maybole 13 Miles (21Kms)
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Cycle/Access paths, rocky shoreline, tidal waters, and steep ascents over Carrick Hill.
Follow the beach at Ayr and turn left just before the little bridge at River Doon, which takes you onto Greenfield Avenue, turning right at the B7024 towards Alloway cricket ground.
From the Heritage Centre, cross the road on Murdoch’s Lone and take the path on the right. This path takes you under the B7024. Take the Whithorn Way route along the old Railway Line, exit at Dunure Road, and walk towards the shoreline, care to be taken crossing the A719.
Heading towards the shoreline and turn left towards Dunure, passing Craig Tara Holiday Park
High tides at the Heads of Ayr may block the shoreline walk.
(If you are unsure about walking over the rocky outcrop on the tidal coastal route to Dunure, you can miss out on Dunure and walk along the A719 to take a left going up to Carrick Hill, just after the Heads of Ayr Family Park. This route is suitable for walkers and cyclists and takes you to Maybole. It is a lovely route over Carrick Hill, but just be aware of traffic on the A719)
From Dunure, at Castle Road, continues onto Station Road. Follow Station Road until you meet A719, Ayr Road. Cross the A719 diagonally to the minor road at Fisherton Primary School.
Follow the road and turn right at the T Junction, then take first left. Continue and walk through track and woodland. (This is quite a rugged and overgrown route and may be unsuitable for bicycles)
This path leads onto a minor road, which takes you to Preaching Brae, carry on until you come to a crossroads, continue across the road at Ladycross. This is a beautiful, long and winding walk into the Carrick Centre.
The Carrick Centre is a Church of Scotland, multi-functional, modern, flexible and welcoming Church, with a cafe.
Nearby is the Maybole Collegiate Church. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/maybole-collegiate-church/
Our Lady and St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic Church, founded in 1878 and is closely modelled upon that of the Benedictine Monastery of Crossraguel,
28 Dailly Rd, Maybole KA19 7AU
Maybole to Girvan Section 7
Section 7
Maybole to Girvan 12 Miles (19kms)
Grade: Easy.
Terrain: Alongside a busy road, Paths/Tracks.
Duration: 5-6 Hours
On leaving Maybole, walk on the pavement along the A77. Continue this road until Crossraguel Abbey. Taking care crossing the A77.
www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/crossraguel-abbey/
On leaving Crossraguel Abbey continue along A77, take extra care, on this section of the road, as there is no footpath. Turn left after the farm entrance. Stay on this road until you reach the ford crossing (use the side crossing on your left, no need to wade through the water). After crossing the ford, turn right, then left to Kirkoswald on the A77.
Heading to Kirkoswald.
There is a nice restaurant, Souter’s Inn. You can visit nearby, the remains of Kirkoswald Old Parish Church and graveyard.
Nearby on the main road is Souter Johnnie’s Cottage, cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/souter-johnnies-cottage
Just past Souter Johnnie's turn left up Kirkbrae. Passing Kirkoswald Parish Church. (The church is unusual in that its design was, at the very least, strongly influenced by Robert Adam, one of Scotland's outstanding architects)
Turn right at the main road. Follow the Whithorn Way to Ladybank Steading Farm. Turn right and cross A77 with care. Turn left at cottages leading to the shore. Follow the shore and walk through Girvan Mains Farm. Follow the Whithorn Way into Girvan Harbour.
girvan to colmonell SECTION 8
SECTION 8
Girvan to Colmonell 10.5 Miles (17 Kms)
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Beaches, Alongside busy A77, Minor roads, Grass, and possibly muddy underfoot.
Duration: 4-5 Hours
On leaving Girvan Harbour follow the beach/path, on the Whithorn Way.
Continue towards the A77. Just before the A77, there are Public Toilets in the large car park nearby is a little Takeaway Café.
A77 has a narrow footpath, take extra care as the footpaths finish, and you need to walk on grass verges.
Staying on the A77.
After Ardwell Farm take the next left. (Signposted Ayrshire Coastal Path.)
This used to be the old coach road. It can be muddy after heavy rain.
This is a quiet route leading to Lendalfoot.
Descending to Lendalfoot. Take care when exiting the footpath and rejoining the A77. Following the A77 takes you into Lendalfoot.
Lendalfoot is a lovely picturesque village. You may wish to have your lunch on the lovely benches beside the rocky beach.
Leaving Lendalfoot turn left towards Colmonell at the Community Centre.
This is a steep climb to over 400 feet on a quiet minor road. You will see the ruins of Carleton Castle.
Continue the single track road until you descend towards the Pinbraid Trout Fishery, taking in the wonderful and beautiful scenery.
After the descent, you will come to a T Junction. Turn right on the B734 over the Garnaburn Bridge. Continue on the B734 to the Main Street, Colmonell, to St Colmon’s Parish Church.
Colmonell to Barhill Section 9
Section 9
Colmonell to Barrhill: 9 Miles (14.5 kms)
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Minor roads, Tracks, Fields (possible cattle) Uneven ground. Muddy underfoot.
Duration: 4-5 Hours.
Leaving Colmonell from St Colom’s Church turn right between the houses and head towards River Stinchar behind the woods, and turn left and follow the river.
Walk along the banks of the River Stinchar
At Craigneil Road, turn right over the Colmonell Bridge, then continue first left.
On the road to Pinwherry cross over Glenside Bridge. At the Y junction keep left and pass alongside Dalreoch Mains Farm.
Keep on this track until you come to an open field, and head towards a gap in trees.
Entering another field keep to your right edge, especially if there are cattle in the field.
Continue to A714. Turn left to Pinwherry.
Head towards the bridge at Pinwherry.
After crossing the bridge at Duisk River turn right, passing Pinwherry Primary school on your left. (This may make a nice picnic lunch stop near the Community Centre).
Continue on this minor road, passing Fardenreoch Farm.
Shortly after Liglartrie Farm, you approach Muck Bridge crossing Duisk River. Turn right at the T junction next to the derelict cottage.
Continue to Glenduisk Farm, heading up hill and follow the road round at the hairpin bend.
Follow this road through the ribbon wood. Then take sharp right to Belhamage Farm.
(Just after the Ribbon Wood, head towards Belhamage Farm. This is a shooting Farm, so please keep to the path.)
Keeping on Main track to Liglaw Wood. Stay on track towards the outskirts of Kildonan House with the Glen Wood at your left and Duisk River at your right.
At the end of the track turn right, leading to the Main Street A714 to Barrhill.
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Barrhill to new luce. Section 10
Section 10
Barrhill to New Luce 13 Miles (21kms)
Grade: Moderate.
Terrain: Tracks, Woodland Paths, Muddy underfoot. Single track roads (Beware of traffic, especially agricultural vehicles)
From Barrhill, you would normally take the riverside track at the left side of Cross Water Burn (signposted) to the Martyr’s Tomb. The trees have been cleared and at present is unsafe for walking.
It is advisable to access the Martyr’s Tomb (signposted) from Gowland’s Terrace, crossing at a small wooden bridge.
Retrace your steps to the road and turn left up the hill, passing Barrhill Railway Station.
Continue on this minor road and pass over a beautiful bridge at Cross Water.
On your right, you will see the lovely picturesque railway signal box at Glenwhilly.
This long stretch of winding road through moorland has a beautiful and rugged landscape in all seasons.
Continue on this single track road. You will come to Dirniemow Bridge at the Cross Water of Luce. Turn left across the cattle grid and stay on the single track road.
Continue straight on road past Knockiebae Farm.
This takes you into New Luce. Continue to bridge at Main Street.
Follow Main Street to the New Luce Memorial Hall.
There are toilet facilities, but with limited opening hours.
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New luce to mochrum Section 11
Section 11
New Luce to Mochrum. 21.5 Miles. (34.5 Kms)
Grade: Moderate to challenging.
Terrain: Minor Roads, Tracks, Woodland Paths, Moorland, Muddy Paths.
Duration: 8-9 Hours (This section can be adjusted to suit each walker. You may wish to split this section into two stages and use the local taxi service to pick you up and drop you where you finished the previous day).
Leaving the Memorial Community Hall, heading past the New Luce Parish Church.
Walking along this scenic road (being aware of traffic on road) alongside the Water of Luce
Glenluce Abbey is on your right.
Please check their website, beforehand for opening hours.
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/glenluce-abbey/prices-and-opening-times/
Leaving Glenluce Abbey, turn right onto the main road.
Continue and turn next left onto the field track. Follow this track to Church Street.
Cross Main Street and head directly across the road onto Bankfield Road to the A75.
At the end of Bankfield Road turn left to walk to and use the underpass. (Do not attempt to cross the A75, it is a very busy and fast road.)
After crossing the A75 turn right, then follow the path to the left, and continue on the single track road, passing the Barlockhart Loch, on your right.
Continuing on this stunning agricultural landscape to Milton Bridge.
Follow this road until Kirkchrist Bridge, then turn left at T junction.
Staying on this road until you reach a crossroads, taking care straight ahead across the A747.
Follow this farm track, it then merges with the single track rod to Whitefield Loch.
Continue on this road passing the beautiful Whitefield Loch on your left.
At the car park at Whitefield Loch continue straight ahead., passing cottages on your left.
Continue straight on at the junction. Follow this road, bear left at Culroy Farm.
Continue on this road, woodlands at both sides. White Loch is hidden behind the trees.
Exit woodland at Challochglass Moss. Continue straight on this path. Turn right at T junction.
Follow this road. The Fell Loch is at your left. Continue along this road and Loch Hempton is very near your left.
Continuing on this route takes you to the picturesque Old Place of Mochrum on your left with the stunning Mochrum Loch on your right.
Following the road alongside the scenic Mochrum Loch and past The May Farm.
Turn left at T junction of the B7005 (signposted to Mochrum)
At the derelict Culshabbin School House take the farm track almost opposite on the right.
Heading along this track and passing the outskirts of Elrig House. (Which is the birthplace of author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell.
Continue through a public footpath through Airylick Farm.
See if you can spot an ancient Celtic Stone used within the farm building at Airylick.
Just shortly after Airylick turn right to visit the remains of Barhobble Church.
https://ecoartsblog.wordpress.com/2013/07/06/barhobble-church-ruins/
Retrace your steps and follow this road and turn right onto Main Street to Elrig.
Keeping left past the Old Mill House. At Y junction keep left, uphill to Mochrum. Passing Swallow Cottage.
At T junction turn left onto Main Street and Mochrum Parish Church. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mochrum
Mochrum to Whithorn Section 12
Section 12
Mochrum to Whithorn 9 Miles (14.5kms)
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Minor roads, beware of cars and agricultural vehicles.
Leaving Mochrum Parish Church, turn right then first right.
Follow this road and at T junction, continue straight ahead.
Continue on this single track road, passing Felyennan Farm.
At the next T junction carry straight on.
Turn left at the next T junction onto B7021.
Continue on this road, crossing Burnside Bridge.
At T junction turn right onto B7085. Continue on this tree lined road.
Keeping to the left at Y junction continue on the B7021.
Follow this road passing the Monreith Mains Workshop.
Continue on the B7021 passing the Drumtroddan Standing Stones in the field on your left.
Retrace your steps to the B7021 and continue left to Whithorn.
This a long stretch of road but offers wonderful views of the very best of farming in Dumfries and Galloway.
Continue on this road passing a small bridge at Monreith Burn.
Just after Bishopton Farm turn right onto A746 St John Street.
Following this road onto George Street, where you find the Whithorn Story and Passport Office, which has a lovely café and gift shop. Nearby is the Roman Catholic Church of St Martin and St Ninian. https://www.ordinariate.scot/whithorn.php
Not far away is the Church of Scotland St Ninian Priory.
http://www.whithorn-stninianspriory.org.uk/and Close by is the Whithorn Priory the Whithorn Priory. https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/whithorn/whithornpriory/index.html
WHITHORN TO THE iSLE OF Whithorn section 13
Section 13
Whithorn to the Isle of Whithorn via St Ninian’s Cave. 11 Miles (18 Kms)
Grade: Moderate.
Terrain: Tracks, Fields, Rocky Beach, Cliff Edge. (the section from St Ninian’s Cave to the Isle of Whithorn, has a cliff edge walk at the beginning for about a mile. Only suitable for sure footed walkers. The grass may be overgrown in sections).
Duration: 5-6 Hours.
The section from Whithorn to Rispain Camp is of recent construction, with the remaining section to St Ninian’s Cave to follow shortly.
On leaving the Whithorn Trust at George Street, turn right through the Pend onto Bruce Street.
Turn left just before at St Ninian’s Priory. Take first left to Rispain Camp through the metal access gate.
Continue on this path keeping to the left of the Ket Burn.
After continuing on the path you will cross the Ket Burn at a small wooden bridge.
Continue on this track until you reach the historical Rispain Camp, which once was a settlement for Iron Age roundhouses.
Retrace your steps along the track, alongside Rispain Farm.
Turn left onto A746 at Rispain Cottage.
Then turn right onto a track with the woodland on your left.
Continue on this track going through the Half Moon woodland.
Exit woodland onto the road, turn right and continue to crossroads. Take first left opposite war memorial.
At Y junction bear left. Passing near Glassterton Churchyard.
Follow this track until you reach a minor road. Turn right before you reach Claymoddie Farm.
Continue down to the cliff edge. Turn left and follow the coastal path.
Walk along the coastal path, then bear left to the Glen Plantation woods on your right.
Turn right, through the woods to a track and follow the shoreline Turn right along the beach to St Ninian’s Cave.
On a clear day, you can see the Isle of Man from the shore.
Leaving St Ninian’s Cave, turn left and walk along to the end of the beach. Until you meet the next cliff.
You have a short steep climb to the top of the cliff.
Be very careful walking along the cliff edge. This cliff path lasts for about a mile then opens to a wider pathway.
Continue on this path you meander towards Burrowhead campsite.
This is an idyllic walk, where you will see breathtaking views of rock formations, caves, wildlife, flora, and fauna.
On reaching Burrowhead Caravan Park, keep to the path on the outskirts of the Caravan Park and follow the path along the top of the cliff.
(Burrowhead Caravan Park site was originally used as a training camp for anti-aircraft gunners during WW2. Some evidence of this can still be seen.)
If using your mobile phone around this area, your mobile phone provider may assume you are on the Isle of Man. This is where the strongest mobile phone signal is situated.
Continue along the cliff edge until the Isle of Whithorn Village.
Follow along the edge of the harbour and exit onto Main Street from the side of the cottages.
At Main Street turn right and at Harbour Row turn right again.
Follow this road, turn left at the car park, and head towards St Ninian’s Chapel.
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