2014 Programme - The Irvine Valley Regeneration Partnership

WELCOME TO THE IRVINE VALLEY
Welcome to the 12th Irvine Valley Walking Festival. More
information is available in “The Irvine Valley Trail“ pack available
from IVRP, on www.ivrp.org.uk or www.ayrshirepaths.org.
Registration/start points for most walks are either:
• Parish Church Hall, Ranoldcoup Road, Darvel, KA17 OJU
• Newmilns Senior Citizens Cabin, Browns Road, nr Greenside Car
Park, KA16 9AS
• Barr Castle Social Club, Henrietta Street, Galston, KA4 8HQ
• Hurlford Bowling Club, 4 Main Road, Crookedholm, KA3 6JT
Tea/coffee and toilet facilities are available in each of the halls ½ hr
prior to the walk start time. There is a regular bus service every 15
mins on Saturday/ half hourly on Sundays.
Walks have been categorised according to difficulty.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY:
Choose your walk according to your ability/fitness level. We
recommend you wear stout walking boots for all walks and
bring waterproof clothing and a snack/water. For walks graded
“STRENUOUS”, we reserve the right to refuse registration to
those not suitably equipped.
We do not charge for walks but donations will be welcomed to
help cover costs. The organisers reserve the right to cancel/amend
events if necessary. Children under 16 must be accompanied by
an adult.
LUNCH STOP means that we have included a 20/30 min. planned
stop- bring your own packed lunch!
Observe the Country Code in respect of cattle, sheep and all
wildlife and out of regard for local landowners. All walks are
taken at your own risk – please check your own personal accident
insurance and read carefully the safety notes issued to all walkers
at registration.
IN LINE WITH OTHER WALKING FESTIVALS, DOGS ARE
NOT PERMITTED ON THE FESTIVAL WALKS.
FRIDAY 16 MAY 2014
FRIDAY EVENING FAMILY OPENING NIGHT
AT NEWMILNS SNOW & SPORTS COMPLEX (NSASC)
High Street, Newmilns, KA16 9EB
COME AND TRY THE TWO BRAND NEW SLOPES
BBQ - Burgers & drinks will be on sale by Newmilns Youth Forum.
6-8pm Ski taster sessions Must be booked in advance by phoning
01560 322320. Further info at www.skinewmilns.co.uk
6-8pm Mountain Bike Skills Loop Carol Cooper of EVR will offer
coaching and timed runs. Just come along on your bike. More
details from Carol on 07779 474529.
8.00pm Junior Ski Club Demo
Come and see the talented young people ON THE NEW SLOPE.
7.00pm Newmilns Town Walk - Join Ian Pollock at the Town House,
Main Street, Newmilns on a short walk, including the Burns Trail,
around Newmilns and find out about the town’s historic past,
finishing at the Ski Slope around 8pm.
7.00pm Galston Town Trail - Jeanette McClelland will lead you on
an hour long walk around Galston’s historic buildings. The walk will
start and finish at Barr Street Car Park, KA4 8HU (Please note: NOT
the Social Club)
7.00pm Darvel Town Trail – Join Reid Ross and Frank Donnelly at
Darvel Telephone Museum, Burn Rd, for an entertaining historical
trail around the town.
7.00pm The Cottages Walk, Darvel – Led by the Girls from Darvel
and Newmilns pharmacies. Meet at Darvel Telephone Museum for
a pleasant walk through Lanfine Estate uphill towards Dyke Farm
and “The Cottages” to the Ski Slope. (4mls/1½ hrs)
7.00 to 8.30pm Darvel Telephone Museum – Pop in any time to visit
this interesting and unique museum.
8.30pm Twilight Bat Walk - Meet East Ayrshire Leisure Trust
Countryside Rangers at Darvel Telephone Museum for a Bat and
Moth Walk through Lanfine Estate. Registration necessary - phone
01560 322966 to confirm your place. Bat detectors are provided
but please bring a torch and wear warm clothing.
IVRP would like to thank our sponsors – Community
Wind Power, Loudoun Valley Trust, East Ayrshire Council,
Tesco Galston, West Siphonics and McConnell Pharmacy.
A BIG THANK YOU to NSASC, East Ayrshire Leisure Trust
Countryside Rangers, Mrs Seton of Auchenbart Farm,
Mr Hendry of Middlefield Farm and all the individuals
and community groups for their ongoing support and
commitment to the Walking Festival.
2
3
SATURDAY 17 MAY 2014
WALK 1 “Craufurdland and Dean” led by Maggie Zimmer, Paula
Livingstone and Dorothy McNeillie
10.00am Start and finish at Craufurdland Castle (ample car
parking). Access via Craufurdland Fishery, off Waterslap Road,
Fenwick, KA3 6BW (7mls/4 hrs) Graded MODERATE. LUNCH STOP
Meet in front of Craufurdland Castle, the family home of Simon
Craufurd. Here he’ll chat about the history of the HouisonCraufurds then lead walkers through the estate’s woodlands. The
walk to Dean Castle Park is over fields with a few stiles to climb
and provides wonderful views of the Castle across Craufurdland
Water. At Dean Castle Park, walkers can stop for a packed lunch and
view the fantastic 14C castle. Enjoy the serenity at the Café on the
Lochan at Craufurdland on your return.
WALK 2 “Craigendunton and Lochgoin” led by Les Pittams, John
Speirs and Joyce Morton “NEW WALK”
10.30am Start and finish at Barr Castle Social Club (7½mls/4hrs)
Graded MODERATE. LUNCH STOP
Walkers will be bussed to Waterside. The walk is on country road
and track, passing Airtnoch Farm en route to Craigendunton
Reservoir. We will be met here by the Whitelee Countryside
Rangers. A 100yd section over heather and moorland from
the Reservoir to the Windfarm track can be wet underfoot, so
waterproof footwear is necessary. A short detour to the Lochgoin
Monument will add some interest to the walk and the final
destination is the Windfarm Visitor Centre where walkers will be
bussed back to Galston. Limited Spaces Available
WALK 3 “Cessnock Stroll” led by Jeanette McClelland and Mizzy
Marshall
1.30pm - Start and finish at Barr Castle Social Club (3mls/2 hrs)
Graded EASY.
Enjoy an afternoon woodland stroll through the lovely Burnhouse
Brae and Cessnock Woods. Although graded as easy terrain, there
are a couple of short steepish slopes within the woodland.
WALK 5 –“Garpel Moorland Walk” led by Stevie Borland, Billy Scade,
Matt Gillies and Morag Balls
9.00am Start and finish at Darvel Church Hall (12mls/5hrs)
Graded CHALLENGING & STRENUOUS
This is a challenging walk at a reasonable pace over open
moorland – walkers will not be allowed to undertake this
walk unless they are properly equipped. LUNCH STOP
Walkers will be bussed to Garpel Estate between Sorn & Muirkirk.
Walk up Whitehaugh Water along rough tracks, then north
to Darvel via Distinkhorn, with excellent views opening up of
Lanarkshire and Ayrshire & Arran. Even in dry weather, the
ground will be boggy in parts so waterproof footwear and gaitors
are essential. LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE. Email ivrp@btconnect.
com to secure a place. You must bring reply confirmation email
for registration.
DARVEL DARVEL TOWN HALL - 3RD & 4TH MAY
MUSIC
The 2014 Concert Series - Eric Bibb, Roddy Hart, The Holy Ghosts,
FESTIVAL Kate Cassidy - Contact: www.darvelmusicfestival.org
WALK 6 “Music Festival Walk led by Sheila McKenna, Hugh Morton
and Jim Wilson
10.00am Start and finish at Darvel Church Hall (15mls/5hrs)
Graded STRENUOUS AND FAST PACED. LUNCH STOP Stout
waterproof footwear essential.
The walk starts steeply up ‘The Bankers’ and follows the Bransfield
Riverside Path to the Neolithic Long Cairn, then across fields at
Saughall and Burnhead for the climb up to Cairnsaigh. Head
down to the A71 and The Spirit of Scotland where you have a
chance to get your breath back and a spot of lunch. The return
journey to Darvel follows country roads around the north side of
Loudounhill and the “Five Miles”.
MUSIC IN THE BLACK BULL, DARVEL 3-5pm
David Paterson and Alex McAllister from Darvel Music Company
will provide music for walkers in the Black Bull Lounge Bar.
WALK 4 –“The Loudoun Walk” led by The Loudoun Runners
10.30am Start and finish at Newmilns Senior Citizens Cabin
(8mls/4hrs) Graded MODERATE. LUNCH STOP
Start with a steep climb up “Jacob’s Ladder” or Borebrae and
head towards the A719 on country road and woodland. Enjoy
panoramic views as you walk down Hungryhill to Loudoun Kirk for
a lunch stop where Johnny Alexander (Friends of Loudoun Kirk) will
relate some of the history of the Campbells of Loudoun. Return via
Loudoun Castle and the Bluebell Planting at Woodhead Farm to
Newmilns.
WALK 7 – “Picnic and Family Walk Around Loudoun Hill” led by
Beth McGuffie and Darvel 1st Brownie Leaders
12.00am Start and finish at The Spirit of Scotland Car Park KA17 off
the A71 Strathaven Road (3mls/2hrs) Graded EASY. LUNCH STOP
Meet at The Spirit of Scotland Car Park for a gentle walk around
Loudoun Hill and listen to the turbulent history of the area
including The Romans, William Wallace and the Covenanters.
The walk includes time for a picnic stop – a chance to play – but
please bring your own lunch. All children must be accompanied
by an adult.
4
5
SUNDAY 18 MAY 2014
OTHER EVENTS DURING THE WEEKEND
WALK 8 – “Hurlford Circular Walk” led by The Twa Shugs
11.00am Start and finish at Hurlford Bowling Club (8mls/4hrs)
Graded EASY.
Hugh Fowler and Hugh Orr will lead this walk from Hurlford
Bridge, where the path hugs the riverside then slopes gently uphill
through two wooded areas towards Ladyton Loch. At Loudoun Kirk
meet Friends of Loudoun Kirk then return to Hurlford via the Chris
Hoy Cycle Path on the old railway line.
Darvel Primary School P7 class is taking part in this year’s outdoor
event with Kate Dickens of EALT Countryside Rangers.
WALK 9 – “Ladyton Loch” led by EALT Countryside Ranger – Kate
Dickens
2.00pm Start and finish at Barr Castle Social Club (3½mls/2hrs) Graded EASY.
Join The Rangers for a leisurely nature walk around Ladyton Loch
near Loudoun Kirk in Galston. Take this opportunity to learn about
the birds and wildlife in the area and find out some local history
from Friends of Loudoun Kirk.
WALK 10 – “Sornbeg and Little Sorn” led by Kate Todd, Isabel Miller
and Olive Melvin “NEW WALK”
11.00am Start and finish at Barr Castle Social Club (8½mls/4hrs)
Graded MODERATE.
Starting off on the Sorn Road from Galston, this new walk will take
walkers past Sornbeg Farm then on a circular country road route to
Little Sorn before returning to Galston. A nice opportunity to see
the Ayrshire countryside from a different perspective.
WALK 11 “The Owlcote at Middlefield” led by Roger Monk and
Bobby Findlay “NEW WALK”
10.30am Start at Newmilns Senior Citizens Cabin (8mls/4hrs)
Graded MODERATE. LUNCH STOP
Start with an uphill climb on country road towards the Covenanters
Cairn for some panoramic views at this historic site before reaching
Middlefield Farm for a lunch stop and a chance to view the Owlcote
from the farmyard. Continue on country road towards Keiland
Cottage and the descent to Newmilns.
WALK 13 – “Cairnsaigh and Loudoun Hills” led by Brenda Lawson,
Alex Milligan and Stan Zimmer
10.30am Start and finish at Darvel Church Hall (10mls/5 hrs)
Graded STRENUOUS. LUNCH STOP Stout footwear essential.
After a short walk to Priestland, follow the Old Railway Line towards
Loudoun Hill. On leaving the railway Line, take the steep country
road to reach the field crossing for a short scramble up Loudoun
Hill to enjoy spectacular panoramic views. Get your breath back at
The Spirit of Scotland for lunch before climbing up Cairnsaigh on
the opposite side of the A71. The return journey is past Saughall,
Burnhead, The Neolithic Long Cairn, Bransfield Riverside Path and
“The Bankers” to Darvel.
WALK 14 – “Auchenbart Coffee Walk” led by Elaine Hamilton, Wendy
Duncan and Beth McGuffie
2.00pm Start and finish at Darvel Church Hall (4mls/2hrs). Graded
MODERATE.
The walk starts with a gentle stroll through Lanfine, past the Walled
Garden and then on unsurfaced track past Richarton Farm towards
Auchenbart Farm, where Elspeth Seton is kindly providing coffee
and homebaking. Return to Darvel via Bransfield Path and the
Bankers.
GRAHAM OBREE CYCLE AUG 2014
The Flying Scotsman Sportive - Maximise Sport, in conjunction
with IVRP, welcomes Graeme Obree’s Annual Cycle Event to the
Irvine Valley
12th
Irvine Valley
Walking Festival
Old Faithful 44mls
The Beastie 78 mls
16th, 17th, 18th May 2014
For further info and booking,
contact www.obree.com
WALKS AT A GLANCE
SATURDAY 17TH MAY
Darvel
9.00
Craufurdland
10.00
Darvel
10.00
Newmilns
10.30
Galston
10.30
Loudoun Hill
12.00
Galston
13.30
Garpel – Walk 5
Craufurdland and Dean – Walk 1
Music Festival Walk – Walk 6
The Loudoun Walk – Walk 4
Craigendunton & Lochgoin – Walk 2
Around Loudoun Hill – Walk 7
Cessnock Stroll – Walk 3
SUNDAY 18TH MAY
Darvel
Darvel
Newmilns
Hurlford
Galston
Galston
Darvel
WALK 12 “The Windfarm Walk – Hareshawmuir to Darvel” led by
Roddy McTavish (Forestry Commission), John Speirs, Paddy McDonald,
(EALT Countryside Ranger) and Morag Balls “NEW WALK”
10.00am Start and finish at Darvel Church Hall (12mls/5½hrs)
Graded STRENUOUS. LUNCH STOP Exposed route so appropriate
clothing and footwear essential.
Walkers will be bussed from Darvel to Waterside then walk up
Hareshawmuir Road into Whitelee Windfarm. The walk will follow
the Windfarm access routes through the newest section of the
windfarm and the return will be back down the Old Weavers Trail to
Darvel. LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE
6
SUNDAY 18 MAY - “THE FESTIVAL BIKE RIDE”
10.00am Meet at Newmilns Snow & Sports Complex for a 25 mile
circular run. Surfaced road, forest/farm track and ½ mile off road.
(route subject to availability). No need to book – any queries,
email Colin Allan on [email protected]. Please observe
the following instructions. Ensure tyres are at correct pressure
and brakes are working. Under 16s must be accompanied by a
responsible adult. Wear suitable clothing and a helmet, bring a
waterproof jacket and water and an energy bar/banana.
10.00
10.30
10.30
11.00
11.00
14.00
14.00
Windfarm Walk – Walk 12
Cairnsaigh & Loudoun Hills – Walk 13
The Owlcote at Middlefield – Walk 11
Hurlford Circular Walk – Walk 8
Sornberg and Little Sorn – Walk 10
Ladyton Loch – Walk 9
Auchenbart Coffee Walk – Walk 14
FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact:
May Anderson, Irvine Valley Regeneration Partnership,
The Town House, 48-50 Main St., Newmilns, KA16 9DE
01560 322966
[email protected]
7
8
01560 322966
[email protected]
www.ivrp.org.uk
facebook.com/irvinevalleywalkingfestival

Download Report