At just 361m elevation, the volcanic plug of Loudoun Hill near Darvel, is where Robert the Bruce had his first major military victory. Despite being small, it’s steep slopes certainly pack a punch and on a clear day the views from the top make it a must-do in the area. A favourite with children and adults alike!
Calculated time: 1h05[?] 
Distance : 1.93mi
Vertical gain : 233ft
Vertical drop : 249ft
Highest point : 925ft
Lowest point : 663ft 
Difficulty : Difficult
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Location : East Ayrshire
Starting point : N 55.614187° / W 4.203849° 
(D/A) Exit Loudoun Hill car park via a wooden gate, signposted Spirit of Scotland.
Follow the path downhill past the Spirit of Scotland Monument. From the monument follow the path which goes downhill to a stile and a footbridge over the River Irvine.
Cross the stile and bridge then continue along the path as it leads you uphill and onto a flat area.
(1) Cross over a farm track and follow the remains of a dry stone wall as it heads uphill (North West) and around the base of Loudoun Hill.
It will lead you into some trees, then past a stone ruin.
(2) After passing the ruin, choose a point at which to start your climb to the top of the hill. There are no distinct paths unfortunately!
From the summit head West across the flat top, to pick up a steep path down the other side of Loudoun Hill, leading to a stone boundary wall.
(3) Follow the wall right (North East) along the base of the hill a short distance, looking out for a stile on your left-hand side which will allow you to safely cross the wall.
Cross the field North (if in crop stick to the field edge) towards a second stile on the fence opposite.
Follow the fence-line North to a third stile, emerging onto a minor road. Turn left (West) and follow the road downhill for 500m.
(4) At this point you will come to a gate on your left with a track heading South East across the field.
Follow this track as it heads around the base of Loudoun Hill and meets up with the flat grassy area you were at earlier, close to point (1)
Turn right to rejoin the path back to the Spirit of Scotland Monument and retrace your steps back to the Loudoun Hill car park (D/A)
Waypoints :
D/A : mi 0 - alt. 709ft - Loudoun Hill car park, just off A71
1 : mi 0.29 - alt. 755ft - Remains of dry stone wall - begin ascent
2 : mi 0.41 - alt. 902ft - Stone ruin
3 : mi 0.72 - alt. 856ft - Stile over boundary wall
4 : mi 1.21 - alt. 725ft - Gate into field
D/A : mi 1.93 - alt. 712ft - Loudoun Hill car park, just off A71
Transport
There is no public transport to the walk start point. The car park is signposted off A71 "Spirit of Scotland / Loudoun Hill"
Terrain
There are no distinct paths on Loudoun Hill and it can be very muddy. It is also extremely steep, with crags on the south side. Several stiles.
Livestock
Sheep are often present on the land around the base of the hill.
For a longer route option try the walk along the disused railway line from Darvel.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
6.92mi
+495ft
-482ft
3h35
Easy
Starting point in East Ayrshire A linear walk from the village of Darvel along a fantastic disused railway track to the Spirit of Scotland Monument beneath Loudoun Hill.
4.71mi
+299ft
-299ft
2h25
Easy
Starting point in East Ayrshire Follow the River Ayr along a pleasant woodland trail to Sorn, passing through Catrine Voes Local Nature Reserve and alongside the historic Catrine Weir. On reaching Sorn, cross the humpbacked ‘Auld Brig’ before passing through part of the village and into the “Spooky Woods”. The return route to Catrine is via Chapel Brae, a pleasant single track road which passes Catrine War Memorial.
2.71mi
+85ft
-85ft
1h20
Easy
Starting point in East Ayrshire A beautiful countryside walk into the popular Dean Castle Country Park, taking in both Fenwick Water and Craufurdland Water. There are options to extend to visit the castle, Rural Life Centre, duck ponds and kids play area.
3.55mi
+253ft
-259ft
1h50
Moderate
Starting point in South Ayrshire Ayr Gorge Woodlands reserve is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Scottish Wildlife Trust Ayrshire. Follow the path of the River Ayr as it flows through a deep red sandstone gorge. This circular / figure-of-eight route takes you around most of the main trails, giving you the opportunity to explore this beautiful ancient woodland including the popular viewpoint at Peden's Cove.
1.93mi
+148ft
-131ft
1h00
Easy
Starting point in South Ayrshire Peden’s Cove is hidden inside Ayr Gorge Woodland, a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve. This beautiful and ancient woodland is formed around an incredible red sandstone canyon, which gives the water of the River Ayr a vibrant red appearance when the sun shines directly onto it! Peden’s Cove, a set of steps carved into the red sandstone cliffs, is reached a mile along the footpath.
4.84mi
+276ft
-285ft
2h30
Easy
Starting point in East Renfrewshire Duncarnock Fort (known locally as The Craigie) is a craggy hill (204 m / 669 ft) which stands invitingly on the banks of Glanderston Dam. Pausing on the summit of what was formerly an iron age fort, take a moment to wonder about it’s history and all that may have happened here many years ago! On a clear day, just as Mary Queen of Scots is rumoured to have done, you will enjoy panoramic views over greater Glasgow extending to the Campsies in the north.
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