Kildoon Hill, Maybole

Summary

This straightforward circular route from Maybole follows local lines before making the ascent to Kildoon Hill and its monument - a local landmark and an excellent viewpoint. The return route can be overgrown - this can be avoided if necessary by returning the same way.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Quiet country lanes, old coach road and grassy paths. Can be overgrown and muddy on descent.

Getting there

Start

Maybole Train Station.

Public Transport

Maybole train station is on the Ayr to Stranraer line; there are also good bus services.

Start Grid Ref

NS298100

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.8km / 6 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 138m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

The walk begins from Maybole railway station, opposite Town Green; there is parking. From the station cross the road and head across the green. Go down School Vennel to reach the High Street, then turn right along the pavement. Pass the imposing Town Hall, built in 1887 and seat of power for the old county of Carrick. The current building contains elements of the Tolbooth or ancient Prison of Maybole. After around 300m fork left - signed for Dailly.

Stage 2

As the road descends and curves left look carefully on the right for the bricked-up well known as the 'Wee Spout in the Glen'. Continue down hill to the church of Our Lady & St Cuthbert, then turn right and steeply uphill along Allan's Hill. The monument atop Kildoon Hill is obvious ahead, with a hedgerow-lined lane snaking into the distance.

Stage 3

Continue over the brow of the hill and descend to reach a ford - cross the footbridge alongside this. Continue and join a minor road, keeping ahead. Go straight ahead again at a junction. The road climbs slightly to cross a railway bridge. Keep ahead, looking out for an old coach road branching right 600m after the bridge signposted 'Kildoon Hill ½ mile'.

Stage 4

Follow the track through along wooded avenue. It curves left and begins to ascend to the bealach between Knockbrake and Kildoon Hill, eventually reaching a couple of gates above a small lochan. Go through the wooden kissing gate on the left adjacent to a metal five-bar gate to head into the field (often livestock present). Head along the higher ground.

Stage 5

The field is largely pathless - keep to the left side of the first hillock, and then aim to the right of the second towards the monument - built in memory of Sir Charles Fergusson of Kilkerran who died in 1849. It is located within the ramparts of a prehistoric fort - the three external ramparts are clearly visible when approaching the summit from the west along the ridge, as well as the entrance through the inner rampart.

Stage 6

Retrace your steps back to the kissing gate and track turn left, heading through the gate. Ignore the track off right at the rather dilapidated signpost and instead follow the clear continuation of the coach road which rises slightly straight ahead.

Stage 7

The path quickly becomes overgrown with gorse - you'll need to detour right over the drystone dyke. Return to the path to use a stile over the fence, then as it becomes overgrown again keep to the right down the field alongside - through long grass. Continue down until a wooden footbridge. Cross this and head up the other side to a stile in the field boundary. Turn left along the quiet minor road. Ignore a minor road on the right signposted 'Kirkoswald 5½ miles'.

Stage 8

Follow the road for another 800m then turn left at the next road junction just before the bridge over Capenoch Burn. This road - signposted 'Maybole 1½ miles' - skirts along the eastern end of Kildoon Hill to reveal the rocky cliffs below the monument before rejoining the outward route to return to Maybole.

Route Profile

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