Eglinton Country Park has over 400 hectares of countryside and is popular
with families for a day out. There are a number of paths through this scenic
and historic parkland. Enter the park at the Kilwinning Gates on the A737
and take the first path on the right. This follows the burn to the suspension
bridge where you cross over and make your way to the Visitor Centre. This
is open Easter to October 10:00am to 4:30pm, 7 days a week. Pick up a leaflet
on the park to make your visit more enjoyable. The centre also has facilities
including a tearoom and toilets. For
those starting their walk from Eglinton there is a Car Park near the Visitors'
Centre accessed via a small road (signposted 'Eglinton Country Park') situated
between the A737 just north of the A78 and the large roundabout over the
A78.Also worth a visit is the exhibition that tells the story of the estate
and the Montgomery family. There has been a castle on the site from as early
as the 14th century. The ruins you see today date back to 1796 and was built
by the 12th Earl of Eglinton. It was eventually unroofed in 1925. Much of
the shell remained until 1938 when it was used for Army training and was
mostly destroyed. One of the towers and a wall remain together with the
outline foundations which give an idea of the extent of this once majestic
building. Nearby lies Tournament Bridge built specially for the Eglinton
Tournament, a medieval event held in 1839. Over 100,000 people attended
the three day event. A stroll past the other buildings, Ice House, Dovecote
and gardens will be rewarding. 
The view from the folly on Belvedere Hill on a clear day is impressive with
Arran in the distance. In 1808 it was said that Eglinton was "...equalled
by few places in Scotland: perhaps surpassed by none." If you cycle
or walk quietly through the park you are likely to spot a variety of wildlife.
At Eglinton Loch you may spot swans, tufted duck and heron. The park also
hosts woodpecker, goldcrest, kestrel, partridge and cuckoo. The park is
also home to hedgehogs, foxes, mink and roe deer if you are lucky enough
to spot them. Check at the Visitor Centre for details of the wildlife and
birds that can be seen at different times of the year. The North Ayrshire
Ranger Service conduct a series of guided walks and events between April
and October. Continue through Eglinton Country Park making your way east to
Cairnmount Hill where a stone circle and a great view make this a popular
photo opportunity for visitors. The path leads into the Scottish Wildlife
Trust Sourlie Nature Reserve. This was previously the site of a gravel works
but is now a protected scrub and woodland habitat. Leave the Sourlie Nature
Reserve near Sourlie Roundabout on the A736 and follow the path of the old
railway line past Girdle Toll. After crossing Middleton Road B769 the route
leaves the railway line and winds its way along the west bank of Annick
Water to Bourtreehill. 
Although this area is more built-up than others there are still some country
views and glimpses of wildlife along the river. Crossing Towerlands Road
the route meets up with the National Cycle Route 73 from Kilmarnock near
Dreghorn. As you pass the town on your bike, spare a thought for John Boyd
Dunlop, inventor of the pneumatic tyre, who was born in Dreghorn in 1840.
Soon the unusual shape of the Parish Church can be seen as you head west.
This octagonal church built in 1780 was locally known as the "threepenny"
due to its similarity to the shape of the old three penny coin. Continue over the Annick Water near Greenwood Academy and follow the south side of the Annick until the roundabout at Annick
Road
where you cross to the northmost side again. Follow the river until you
leave its winding path and cross the A71, near the Bailey Bridge. This bridge
used to be part of the old Irvine-Kilmarnock railway until converted for
traffic use. Head along the east side of the River Irvine to the footbridge.
The small white Powder House on the right marks the spot where the towns folk used to wash their laundry and then bleach it on the grass, commonly known as the Golfields area. Irvine Parish Church (1772) dominates above the walkway.Cross the bridge and follow the River Irvine to the Rivergate Centre. You will pass a point where a ford used to cross the river, known as the 'Puddlie-Deidlie'. The shopping centre crosses the River at the spot where the Auld Bridge used to stand. A plaque in Rivergate outlines the history of the bridge.
SAFETY ADVICE
Pedestrians
To maximise your enjoyment of the Trail ensure that you:
-Wear comfortable footwear
-Carry adequate clothing
-Be aware of other users on the route
-Be aware of cyclists, especially those approaching from behind
Cyclists
Observe the following few simple safety precautions:
-Wear a helmet
-Ensure your cycle is roadworthy
-Observe signs and notices along the route
-Be courteous to other Trail users, especially young and elderly pedestrians