Explore the quiet rolling countryside of Strath Avon and the mysterious Earth House before following the river and returning on a minor road.
Farm track and paths (livestock in fields), minor road
None to start.
Balcorach car park, just west of bridge from B9136, Strathavon .
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The is a small parking area with information board just west of the road bridge from the B road at Ballcorach in Strath Avon. From the parking area follow the track north away from the road following the River Avon. Before a gate and stile take the signed (Earth House) track to the left and head uphill soon passing the first of two houses. Ignore the signed footpath heading left, continuing ahead. After the driveway for the second house (with the tower) look out for a stile into the field on the left.
Go around the edge of the field (or diagonally across if no crop is growing) to reach the fenced enclosure of Knock Earth House. This stone-lined chamber was discovered by a farm worker in the 1960s. It is thought to have been a Bronze Age souterrain, or earth house, used for storing food at an even, cool ttemperature. It appears to have been adapted in the 18th century for use as an illicit whisky still, with a corn drying kiln built at the entrance possibly to disguise it.
From the earth house retrace the route back towards the river and turn left to continue along the track. This passes through several fields and then heads away from the river to pass through a small area of alder trees where a footbridge bypasses a ford. Further on climb a stile and follow a track left uphill, then swinging right though birch and rowan woodland. Eventually it passes the house at Altnaha.
From here descend on the track to cross another stile and the stream and climb up towards the house at Lyne. Before the house turn right into the open field and head downhill keeping to the right side of the field. Follow the telegraph poles, heading through a narrow gap in the fence and not descending into the steep rough ground next to the All na Ha burn (there is a large boulder part way down as a guide).
The route now curves to the left to follow the edge of the field until a stile. Cross this and continue to reach a suspension footbridge over the River Avon. Bear left on the far side of the bridge and climb the stile at the other side of the field to climb the old path up to the road (B9136). Turn right here to follow the minor road back to the start, crossing the bridge at Balcorach to reach the parking area on the right.
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Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.
