Cornish Hill and Loch

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
5 kms	01:30 (hrs:mins)	40 metres	Explorer 318: Galloway Forest Park North

Description

This short walk provides some outstanding views of the Galloway Hills and lochs. The walk begins by the Stinchar Bridge and takes you through the forest on a well-maintained Forestry Commission path. Exiting the forest, the route then rises over the heather-covered hills towards Cornish Hill. From here there are views of Ayrshire's western coastline, Cairnsmore of Carsphairn to the east and the impressive flanks of Shalloch on Minnoch and the Merrick to the south.

Descending down the lochside (Cornish Loch) there is an ideal spot for a picnic. The hill loch plays a crucial role in the life of two of Ayrshire's large rivers. The Water of Girvan rises high in the northern corrie of Shalloch on Minnoch and flows into Cornish Loch, to exit the loch at this picnic spot where it then flows north to Girvan. The River Stinchar also originates on Shalloch on Minnoch (on its northern side) where it then flows to the west of Cornish Hill, then due west to the sea at Ballantrae.

The walk continues by following the course of the Water of Girvan, then to meander through the forest and back towards the forest road.

Access Info

From Straiton (on the B41), head south on the old minor road towards Glentrool Village. After 10Km you will arrive at the Stinchar Bridge. Turn left onto the forest road, the car park is almost immediately on your left.