Walk 2367 - printer friendly version

Kaim Hill & Fairlie Glen Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 3.5 miles / 5.7 km

Ascent - 1100 feet / 333 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NS210546
Lat 55.7515710 + Long -4.8537184
Postcode KA29 0DJ (approx. location only)

A short but energetic walk from Fairlie beginning by walking up Fairlie Glen with its waterfalls and the remains of a castle. The route the turns south to start a steady climb across wild moorland to the summit of Kaim Hill. Reward for your efforts is an outstanding view which includes the Ayrshire Coast, Great Cumbrae Island, the Isle of Arran dominated by the rocky outline of Goat Fell, the Isle of Bute and much more.

Limited parking is available at Fairlie railway station (grid ref. NS210546) which lies a short way off the A78 coastal road. After parking and with your back to the railway, turn left and follow a tarmac path from the northern end of the parking area. This path leads to Burnfoot Road. Bear right and then turn sharp right into Castlepark Drive. Where this road bends left, continue ahead onto a track signed as a cul-de-sac.

Continue up Fairlie Glen soon pass the partially restored ruins of Fairlie Castle. The path continues up Fairlie Glen through deciduous woodland with several waterfalls down to your right. The path, still climbing, soon reaches open moorland. Reaching a footbridge, cross Fairlie Burn onto the open hillside. The path, feint in places, heads steadily uphill over rough moorland. If in doubt, keep heading uphill. Reaching the summit of Kaim Hill (387 m) with its OS trig column, all the hard work is over, and you can now take time to enjoy the view. A useful accessory is a decent map which will help identify the highlights of the superb panorama.

To return to the start leave Kaim Hill by following the path down across the moor to the bridge over Fairlie Burn. Once across the bridge, turn left and retrace your steps down the glen back to the start.

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