Muirkirk Walking Festival - Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June 2009

The Muirkirk Walking Festival will take place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June 2009 with walks which vary from easy to moderate.

Come along and participate in a variety of walks throughout this beautiful area of Ayrshire. Walk Cairn Table, one of the highest hills in Ayrshire, tackle the River Ayr Way or join us on a history walk and learn of the areas rich covenanting history. Contact Billy Kirk on 01290 661335 / 07732 539723.

Walks on Saturday 13th June 2009

9.45am Cairn Table / 3 Cairns combined walk
Distance/Time:10.75 miles (17.5km) / Approx 6-7 hours
Grade:Difficult
Summary:This is a difficult walk but offers stunning views over the Ayrshire area. The walk begins with a walk up Cairn Table before leading you up Stony Hill and Wardlaw Hill. Walkers are welcome to do the Cairn Table part of this walk only (departing 10.30am) which makes the route:

10.30am - Cairn Table
Distance/Time:6 miles (10km) / Approx. 2-3 hours
Grade:Moderate/difficult
Summary:Cairn Table is one of the highest hills in Ayrshire, rising to a height of 1944 feet (648m). This walk (or climb) will allow you stunning views to Arran and Ben Lomond. This route is a sanctuary for bird life so look out for hen harrier, golden plover and grouse.

10.30am Covenanters Trail / River Ayr Walk combined
Distance/Time:Approx 4 miles (6km) 19 miles including travel / Approx 2-3 hours.
Grade: Moderate/difficult
Summary:Find out more about Muirkirks covenanting past on this walk. Visit John Browns monument and Richard Camerons stone amongst others. Transport is provided where necessary for this walk ****
Part of this walk will take in the River Ayr Way, Scotlands first sea to source path network
**** Trail leaves the IFE wing by mini bus to Netherwellwood, the walk then goes to Camerons Stone before returning to the bus to be dropped off to join the River Ayr Way, walking to Adams stone. Walkers are the picked up and returned to the IFE Wing for lunch. After lunch, walkers are taken to Priesthill and walk to John Browns stone and then on to the old graveyard to see the headstones of John Smith and Charles Howatson.
Approx 4miles walking / 19 miles including transport

10.30am Three Brigs Walk
Distance/Time:2 Ŋ - 3 hours
Finish:IFE Wing
Grade:Easy
Summary:Visit the famous Tibbies Brig (named after Tibbie Pagan who wrote Ca the Yowes tae the Knowes) on this beautifully scenic walk as well as other important local landmarks, the Sanquhar Brig and Crossflat Brig

12.00pm Cairn Table Run
Distance / Time:6 miles (9 kms)
Grade:Difficult
Summary:Cairn Table, one of the highest hills in Ayrshire, rises to a height of over 300 metres. If youre feeling fit come along and join us on this annual hill run

2.30pm Nature Walk
Distance/Time:2 hours
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Summary:Join the countryside Rangers service on a walk through the Muirkirk and North Uplands Special Protection Area. Discover the rich upland habitats and the great variety of moorland breeding birds.

Walks on Sunday 14th June 2009

9.45am Ayrshire Cancer Support Sponsored Walk
Sorn - Muirkirk
Distance/Time: 13.5 miles (20kms)
Grade: Moderate

Summary: This sponsored walk raises money for Ayrshire Cancer Support. Join us on this walk from Sorn to Muirkirk along the River Ayr Way taking in some of the finest scenery that Ayrshire has to offer. The walk will take you through Airds Moss, an RSPB reserve which is an SAC (Special Area of Conservation) because of its blanket bogs which provide a habitat for a wide variety of moorland birds including hen harrier, merlin, short- eared owl and black grouse before reaching Muirkirk, home to the first village audio tour in Scotland. Contact Stephanie Essex on 01290 661556

2pm Re-Launch of the Muirkirk Audio Trail
in the IFE Wing

For further information
contact Jim Currie on (01290) 661324 e-mail jpcurrie95@aol.com
or Billy Kirk on (01290) 661335 or 07732 539723

Brochures for all walks are available from
the Post Office or H Moorhead & Son

There are walks suitable for all ages
so come along and enjoy
healthy, interesting and historical walking
and tell your friends - bring them along too

More Information About Walking in Muirkirk

Walks in and around Muirkirk
Muirkirk has always been a place for walking. Locals can often be seen treading the paths between the Smallburn or the Village and Kames with a climb to the top of Cairntable being something that is recognised as normal! Today, the people of Muirkirk have been instrumental in developing a series of walks which can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, whenever they like. Find out more about these walks around Muirkirk here.
Muirkirk Audio Trail