Old Church Walk
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 3.5 kms | 01:00 (hrs:mins) | 30 metres | Explorer 328 - Sanquhar & New Cumnock |
Description
Head downhill over the Stank Burn Bridge by Kirkland Cottage. Turn right at the crossroads following the sign for 'St Connel's Church via Vennel'. Cross the Glenaylmer Burn Bridge and continue to the end of the Pine Wood. Climb the ladder stile in to the wood and follow the dyke around Horseshoe Plantation with its noisy resident rooks. Climb three more stiles to reach the track above Kirkland Farm; turn right past the cattle sheds and continue uphill.
Take a breather and enjoy the view. Ahead stands the broad shouldered Kirkland Hill; behind stands the wind turbines of Windy Standard wind farm. At Vennel Cottage follow the Covenanter's Trail (CT) sign for Kirkland and pass through the field gate to the right of the steading. Follow the track round the back of the steading and exit over the ladder stile.
Descend the track to the ford and footbridge across Glenaylmer Burn, cross the burn and continue along the track to cross the burn and continue along the track to cross the next burn. From this point you have the option of climbing the ladder stile for a detour to The Greymare's Tail waterfall. Take the high track following the dyke to the left side of the burn, and then continue along the fence line (ignoring the stile to the left). Descend into the valley and continue to the base of the falls for the best view. Return to the main route. Continue past the sheepfold to reach the churchyard containing the remains of St Connel's Church.
You can enter the grounds using the stile in the wall or the gates at the far end. Local miners, organised by their minister, carried out excavation of the church during the General Strike of 1926.
Access Info
From Dumfries follow the A76 Glasgow Road through Sanquhar to Kirkconnel. At the far end of the village you will pass the war memorial on the left just before a sharp right hand bend around Kirkconnel Parish Churchyard. Take the next unsigned road to the right. This crosses the railway line before heading uphill to Kirkland.
After a mile or so you will reach a car park on the right with an information shelter, this is the start point of your walk.
Additional Info
Kirkconnel Parish Heritage Society recently rebuilt the Miners' Cairn and its history is explained on the information board.
