This circular walk climbs up above the vast forests of the Carrick onto the wild open hills, giving superb views and visiting the lonely shores of Cornish Loch.
Constructed hill path - rough in parts.
None to start.
Stinchar Bridge car park.
To reach the Stinchar Bridge car park, turn onto the Carrick Forest Drive from Stinchar Bridge, and then immediately turn left up the hill to reach the parking area. To begin the walk head back down to the road, taking the path opposite and crossing the wooden footbridge.
Ignore the path to the right, instead following the main route into the forest ahead. The path leads through dense forestry plantations, eventually crossing a second footbridge. After more plantations the route finally leaves the trees behind and continues as a made path up onto the open moorland.
Follow the path as it rises up onto the undulating top of Cornish Hill. There are great views looking back over the vast Carrick Forest plantations to the distant windfarms of Ayrshire. Continue, passing a small cairn at one point.
After the cairn the path begins to descend in a series of zig-zags to reach Cornish Loch near its outflow. This is an attractive spot with a real wild feel. From the loch the path cuts back left, crossing the outflow on a footbridge just above the upper edge of the forest. It then leads back into the trees, crossing another bridge.
Soon the path climbs once more, with another more open section above the trees, before finally descending to meet a larger path. Bear left onto this to reach a forestry track. Go almost straight across here onto the path that continues opposite; this cuts down to reach the tarmac road. Turn left along the road to return to Stinchar Bridge.
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