Stewarton to Dunlop A Station-to-Station Countryside Escape
With Stewarton in the spotlight this issue, this station-to-station walk is a reminder that you don’t have to travel far to find a sense of adventure. Once known as the Bonnet Toun for its thriving 18th- and 19th-century textile trade, Stewarton has long been a place shaped by craft, industry and movement — a fitting starting point for a journey on foot. The route slips quickly from town to countryside, passing through the familiar calm of Lainshaw Woods before striking out across rolling East Ayrshire farmland on a network of quiet single-track roads. It’s the kind of walk that feels gently adventurous without being demanding — ideal for anyone looking to try something new close to home.
For me, this walk began as a simple idea spotted online and turned into an impromptu day out — train timetables checked, boots pulled on, and a sense of excitement at trying a route I’d never walked before, in my own local authority area no less. As the miles unfold, the rewards come steadily: wide open skies, handsome farmhouses, and elevated viewpoints offering far-reaching views west to the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig, and north to Ben Lomond on a clear day. The walk finishes in the welcoming village of Dunlop, with the option of a gentle woodland wander before hopping back on the train — a satisfying and surprisingly varied journey.
Exit Stewarton Train Station onto Rigg Street, turn right (SE) to walk along Rigg Street to the crossroads.
Turn right (SW) onto Lainshaw Street then right (NW) at the mini roundabout.
Walk beneath the railway bridge on Standalane then turn left (SW), passing Lainshaw Primary School. Stewarton War Memorial will be on your right-hand side.
Walk along Kilwinning Road for a little over 1km at which point you have the option to continue along the road or use the earth footpath through Lainshaw Woods instead for the next 700m. Look for a gate on your left which takes you into the woods. This woodland path runs parallel to Kilwinning Road – where the path takes a sharp left turn, you should turn right (NE) to return to the road.
Continue on Kilwinning Road for a further 2.5km, turning sharp right (NE) at Crossgates farmhouse. This single track road continues for around 5.6km towards Dunlop.
About a third of the way along it you will reach a crossroads with the B778/Standalane where you go straight on (N).
3km further up, you will see a sign for Templehouse Woodland on your right. You can either stay on the road here or take a de-tour to explore the small woodland first. If going through the woods turn right (SE) where you see the sign and you will notice a gate on your left giving you access to the footpath. The woods are not big so you can follow any paths you fancy and either return to this gate to resume the walk or exit the woodland via a gate at its north end, beside the picnic area. Both options will take you back onto the single track road.
Continue (NE) along the road, passing Dunlop Kirk. At the end of the road turn right (E) onto Main Street/B706. You will pass Dunlop Post Office and Idle Hands Bakery, then reach a junction. Turn left (NE) to stay on Main Street. Go straight ahead at the roundabout onto Newmill Road. Dunlop Train Station is beneath the bridge. Whether you cross it or not will depend on which platform you need to go to for home!
Get out in 2026
Walk, Learn & Explore with Gillian’s Walks
If one of your New Year goals is to spend more time outdoors, discover new places or learn walking skills to boost confidence, Gillian’s Walks has plenty to inspire you this winter. It’s the season to wrap up warm and go out in search of snowdrops, icicles and breathe in the frosty air!
- Explore local, using one of Gillian’s +260 free online Route Guides.
- Book in to a guided walk or skills session
- Burns’ Day guided walk in Alloway
- Intro to Digital Navigation workshops – helping you use your phone to explore with confidence
- Nordic Walking sessions – learn how to use poles to turn your walk into a full-body workout
- The Ayrshire Coastal Path Discovery Series continues, offering full day guided walk adventures
Explore & Book — gillianswalks.com
