You can join the Countryside Rangers for the second year of the Annick Valley Walking Festival, which will this year offer various walks in and around the beautiful villages of Kilmaurs and Stewarton.

The walks are taking place over the weekend from Friday 2^nd to Sunday 4^th September, with plenty to do and discover for all the family.

Registration for each walk takes place 30 minutes before the walk starts at the following locations: Kilmaurs – ‘The Jougs’; Stewarton – Entrance to Cunninghame Watt Park, Main Street, Stewarton

Friday 2nd September

Kilmaurs Primary School, Lainshaw Primary School and Nether Robertland Primary School will all be launching the event by doing sponsored walks around local trails.

Ceilidh
7pm for 7.30pm

The Masonic Hall, 22 Main Street, Kilmaurs
Featuring “The Wally Dugs”
Tickets cost £6 and are available from local businesses and Community Council Members
Pie & Pea Supper included in the price


Saturday 3rd September

Kilmaurs
1pm – 4 pm Chapelton House Walk with Geocaching
Join us to catch the ‘bug’ of this exciting treasure hunting activity.

Jock’s Thorn 1pm – 2pm
You may see evidence of the old baronial residence linked to the historic Kilmaurs Castle on this walk so keep your eyes peeled

8.30pm – 10.30pm – Bat Walk around Kilmaurs Village
This is your chance not only to see these amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics but you can learn more about them by chatting with the Countryside Rangers
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Stewarton
11am – 12.30pm – Fisherman’s Path
A pleasant walk along the river’s edge with the Countryside Rangers looking at a wide range of local flora and fauna like roe deer, foxes, and if we are lucky, Kingfishers.

1.30pm – 4.30pm – The Clunch
Good views to the north, to Whitelee Wind Farm, and across Stewarton to the coast and Arran. Look for roe deer on the ground and buzzards in the air.


Sunday 4th September

Kilmaurs
12.30pm – 3pm – Water Meetings
Join us to look for wildlife along the river as well as finding out more about the historical Chapelton Estate.

1.30pm – 3.30pm – Round The Bowher
Join the Countryside Rangers on a nature walk along this charming scenic route which is rich in flora and fauna.

1.30pm – 3pm – Round the Widdell
Join us to experience one of the many rights of way within the boundaries of rural Kilmaurs.

3.00pm – 4.30pm – History of Kilmaurs
Join one of the many respected residents of the village for this informative and fascinating tour of the history within Kilmaurs.

4.30pm – 5pm – CLOSING CEREMONY


Stewarton
2pm – 3.15pm – The Jubilee Walk
We go up the Annick before a moderate incline on grass takes us alongside a wood and up to Cauldhame. Stunning views over Stewarton down the coast.

3.30pm – 4.30pm - History of Stewarton
Local historian Jim Blades will lead a walk around the town pointing out items of historical interest.

1pm – 4pm - The Meetings (Kennox)
Look out for Girgenti Farm Clock Tower (1843) and the Grade A listed Kennox House (mid 18th century with early 19th century additions)

Please note that all times are approximate and please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and suitable footwear.

All walks are free – and you can find out more here on the Dean Castle website.

Please contact 01563 522702 or email rangers@east-ayrshire.gov.uk for any further information.