Location: Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock

Grade: Easy countryside walk

Distance: 2.5 miles/4km

Time: 1-2 hours

Despite living only half an hour’s drive away, I have to confess that until recently I knew very little about Dean Castle.

Situated on the outskirts of Kilmarnock, the country park offers very pleasant walking through a variety of landscapes.

The Countryside Trail curves up to run high above the Craufurdland Waters, passing through an area of magnificent old trees and with rhododendrons to add a splash of vivid colour in the spring.

One part of the trail runs close to a housing estate (giving the residents very easy access) and here in an area called Boyd Wood, native trees are being planted to provide a screen.

Later on the trail follows the river for a considerable distance, which always creates interest and it is noticeable how much interpretation about the flora and fauna is provided.

The two rivers – the Fenwick and Craufurdland Waters – are a major feature of the park, and they join to form the Kilmarnock Water near the main entrance.

Dean Castle itself was a surprise and a delight. Dating back to the 14th century, it was primarily associated with the Boyd family who became Earls of Kilmarnock, and among the panoply of historic Scottish buildings it must class as something of a hidden gem.

It is currently undergoing restoration, partly funded by the Heritage Lottery fund, with most of the money coming from East Ayrshire council, to allow it to enjoyed by future generations to come.

Whilst these works are taking place, the castle’s collections of arms and armour, early musical instrument collections and more are on display at the nearby Dick Institute.

The country park provides a great day out for kids with its large adventure play area, mini zoo and other attractions.

Our last visit was on a truly dreich day in early winter but despite the rain my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed wandering the park trails.

At a time when so many local services are under threat from severe financial pressures, it is great to come across an example of imaginative fundraising which will ensure that Dean Castle and its lovely park have plenty to offer visitors of all ages.

ROGER SMITH

ROUTE PLANNER

Map: OS 1:50,000 Landranger sheet 70 (Ayr, Kilmarnock & Troon). A free map of the park showing the trails is in the Dean Castle leaflet available at the castle or can be downloaded from www.deancastle.com

Start/Finish: Main car park, off Dean Road, KIlmarnock (GR: NS436394)

Distance: 2.5 miles/4km

Time: 1-2 hours

Information: Ayr TIC, 01292 290300.

Route: Leave car park and follow driveway up towards Dean Castle. Just before the Castle, turn left into the woods (sign for ‘History Trail’). Follow path up and R as it passes gateway entrance to park and then runs near houses. Look for steps on R and go steeply down to Fenwick Water. TL on path by river to reach car park. Cross and take signed path curving as it climbs through woodland. Pass Riding Centre, cross driveway and immediately TR on path which initially runs high above Craufurdland Water but later drops down to riverside. Follow path, keeping by river, to stone bridge on L. Cross and go ahead to visit Castle or TL back to start of walk.

We are running our favourite previously published walks due to a backlog caused by Covid