(MAIN ROUTE THROUGH THE IRVINE VALLEY)
The Irvine Valley Trail is the main route of paths linking all the Valley towns. Tackle it as a long walk or enjoy it as a series of smaller circular routes taking in each of the towns of Darvel, Newmilns, Galston and Hurlford.

From Darvel:
At Priestland, start on the south side of the River Irvine, and go round the "Bankers", following a farm track from Slacks Bridge which crosses the Gower Water and skirts around Darvel, arriving at the Ranoldcoup Road Bridge in Darvel. Continue your walk along the south side of the river down the Browns Road, which runs alongside the Lanfine Estate. Once home of the Brown family, their benevolence to the Valley townspeople is shown in the three Browns Reading Institutes in Darvel, Newmilns and Galston. This is a popular riverside walk, where the overhanging branches of trees provide dappled shade for the trout and salmon in the river.
Take this walk in the autumn when the river is in spate and watch the salmon leap up the Newmilns Weir on their journey east for spawning but watch out for bats swooping overhead if you are out and about in the gloaming! If you're really lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the Great Spotted Woodpecker, which has been seen along this road. Another common bird is the Dipper bobbing on a large stone or diving into the river and is a sign of the clean water in the river.
The Browns Road meets Brown Street in Newmilns and you can return to Darvel via the A71 up the "Darvel Cut" as the incline towards Darvel from Newmilns is called locally. Take a break at the Gowanbank Memorial to Alexander Morton with its decorative panels of handloom and machine lace weaving and savour one of the most stunning views in the Valley looking south over the Lanfine policies of sycamore, chestnut, copper beeches and conifers which shelter pheasants and deer.

From Newmilns:
Before you resume your walk from Brown Street in Newmilns towards Galston, have a short stop in Newmilns to view some of the heritage buildings in the Main Street, - The Keep in Castle Street where John Law was killed attempting to rescue Covenanters in 1685 and now a Scheduled Ancient Monument; the Town House built in 1739 with the town gaol on the ground floor; the Covenanter graves of John Nisbet and Matthew Paton in Loudoun Church graveyard. The newly renovated St Margaret's Manse often gave hospitality to Robert Burns and the Rvd Lawrie has been given credit for preventing Burns from emigrating to Jamaica.
Steeped in the history of the past, head back down Brown Street and spot the 5 stained glass windows at the Royal Bank Buildings in the likenesses of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Alan Ramsay, Robert Tannahill and James Hogg. Pass by some of the Lace Mill buildings, which gave prosperity to the Irvine Valley from the late 18th to mid 20th Century. Branch right at Vesuvius and follow the tree lined riverside path past the Strath Mill, entering a woodland strip past Barrmill and reaching Galston at the Public Recreation Park.

From Galston:
The final section of the Irvine Valley Trail west is along the Grougar Walk - which is more fully described elsewhere. From Barrmill Road, continue along Titchfield Street to Gas Lane and follow the footpath to the underpass at the Low Green Bowling Club. This leads to Loudoun Kirk and ends at Hurlford.
An alternative route at this point, and a must for bird and wildlife watchers, is to follow the well defined fisherman's path leading to the flood plain of Holmes Loch between Galston and Hurlford. This is included in the Scottish Wildlife Trust's List of Wildlife Sites and is a wild life haven and popular area for migrating birds. Watch out for mallard duck, gulls, lapwings (peeweets). Herons are a common sight flying over the area or standing silently at riverside pools to catch unwary fish. Retrace your steps to Galston.

Pass by the Propeller, an industrial monument to Hurlford's past, and start this leisurely riverside walk at the Hurlford Bridge. The path meanders peacefully along the River Irvine before gently sloping upwards through two small wooded areas towards the crossroads at Templetonburn Farm - a name associated with the Knights Templar of olden days. Wild irises bank this woodland stretch in early summer.

The remainder of the walk hugs the river through an historic and picturesque rural area passing by the site of the hut where the Hermit,Tam Raeburn lived, and Grougar Row, a traditional row of miners' cottages. When you reach Milton, imagine the Covenanters meeting in secret in mortal fear of the Dragoons during these troubled times.
Keen birdwatchers will enjoy viewing the wild life at Burnbank Loch. Perhaps now you could take advantage of the excellent picnic areas located on the banks of the Polbaith River off the Grougar Road or you may wish to stop at Bankhead for coffee and visit the craft gallery with its picnic area and exotic birds.
Before reaching the end of this enjoyable walk, spend a moment of quiet reflection at Loudoun Kirk, the traditional burial place of the Loudoun family. Founded in 1415 by Alicia in memory of her husband, Sir John Campbell of Loudoun, this ancient and sacred place is being restored and preserved by "The Friends of Loudoun Kirk". Belgian SAS Paratroopers who trained at Loudoun Castle during the 2nd World War gifted a commemorative plaque to the Church.

Follow the waymarkers to take you back into Galston or retrace your footsteps back to Hurlford.