The
first part of the route follows the old right of way to Barr. Fine views
are afforded of the Byne Hill and the pass over which runs the high road
between the Carrick shore and the Assel and Stinchar Valleys.
A
mile further on is Laggan Loch an almost perfectly circular Loch Legend
has it that the outline of a ploughman complete with yoke can he seen
on the surface of the Loch. He was reputed to have been lost in mud at
the bottom.
Crossing the drystone dyke the route continues on the track before branching
right over the whaleback summit of Laggan Hill. This is an area which
is still predominantly farmed for hill cattle and sheep.
The dominant feature is Ailsa Craig A volcanic plug thrusting over a thousand
feet from the Firth of Clyde and silhouetted against the sky. The remains
of a ruined castle can be seen on the island, which is now a bird sanctuary
and is one of the largest colonies of gannets in the British Isles.
To complete the walk back turn right at the A714 and follow the footpath
back to the town.
|