"The Bluebell planting"

A starting point for this walk is the lay-by on the A71 between Newmilns and Galston at the Hag Bridge.



The walk, as its name suggests, is a woodland walk best seen in May when bluebells form a stunning layer of blue alongside the path.

On the west side of the Hag Burn is Loudoun Gowf Club, the only "gowf" course in the world, with more than 400 years of golfing history - but remnants of a Neolithic stone circle bear testimony to settlements more than 2000 years old.

Loudoun Castle, now part of the Loudoun Castle Theme Park, is nearby and is accessed through the main entrance to the Theme Park on the A719. The earliest part of Loudoun Castle was built in the 1400s by the Craufurds of Loudoun and the later 1800 building, known as the Windsor of Scotland in its heyday, was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1941.

Tradition has it that the Act of Union was discussed and drawn up under the Auld Yew Tree in 1707 - an imposing tree said to be 700 years old. An interesting relic is the motte and bailey remains of Arclowdun Castle, reputedly the home of William Wallace's Mother, Margaret.

The walk itself gradually inclines through woodland and burn until you reach the gate leading to Woodhead Farm. Tread the old Lime Road and imagine the many disputes that took place between the local townspeople and the Loudoun family regarding access in the 1880s. Descend gently down the "Pit Brae" to complete this attractive woodland and pastoral walk or continue along the Lime Road catching glimpses of Newmilns below and follow the steep winding road through the leafy glade of the Devils Basin to return to Newmilns.