Devil's Trail, Barr

A straightforward wander through Changue Forest offering some panoramic views over the Stinchar Valley and Carrick hills.

Terrain

Quiet surfaced roads, farm tracks and earth footpaths.

Public Transport

None - access from Girvan.

Start

Dedicated car park 1km east of Barr. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.5 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 169m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NX286941

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is some impressive infrastructure supporting the trails around the beautiful conservation village of Barr. A dedicated walker's car park has been constructed 1km east of the village equipped with picnic tables and an information board, though this walk could easily be started from within the village by following the Water of Gregg east. Blue waymarker arrows indicate the route from the car park, heading downhill and back towards the village before turning left along a good track towards Craigmalloch. Follow the track as it passes Changue House whilst shadowing the gurgling Water of Gregg and go through a gate to reach a fork in the track.

Stage 2

Take the left fork as indicated by a wooden signpost and go through a gate as the glen becomes steeper and the mixed deciduous and coniferous forest alongside the track denser. This easy walking continues for 1km before the track crosses a bridge and begins a gentle curve to the left and passes Fairy Knowe where a short but steep detour over a wooden footbridge and up grassy steps offers a great picnic spot overlooking a waterfall.

Stage 3

Continue along the main forest track for another 1km before taking a smaller footpath branching left at a clearing signposted 'Devil's Trail' with the now familiar blue waymarker arrow. This narrow grass path heads uphill steeply - in sharp contrast to the easy walking encountered to this point. Surrounded by the massed ranks of a conifer plantation the path widens slightly and the gradient eases. Reaching a T-junction, turn left along this more substantial track and follow this for 1km to round Changue Point whilst looking out for a small path heading down the gully on the left.

Stage 4

This narrow, slippery path makes a steep descent down to Changue Burn - a haven for wildflowers such as primroses and bluebells in the right season. Cross a footbridge to climb back out of the valley and up a short flight of steps to reach a forestry track above High Changue. Turn left and begin the walk back towards the car park in the company of some impressive views across the Stinchar Valley to the wild hills beyond.

Stage 5

The hills to the right are the site of the legend that gives this route its name. The Laird of Changue - a notorious smuggler and prolific fighter - struck a deal with the Devil in which the Laird would achieve great financial prosperity in return for his soul. The Laird's smuggling enterprises flourished, he spent lavishly but always seemed to have money and success. Over time the deal with the Devil was forgotten until it was time to deliver - at which point the Laird decided he was unwilling to uphold his side of the bargain. Laying his Bible on the ground he drew a circle around himself on the hillside with his sword and with a display of impressive swordsmanship successfully defeated the Devil and drove him off. High on the hillside the devil's footprints, the circle drawn by the sword and the mark of the Bible in the grass can still be seen.

Route: Phil Turner

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