River Ayr Way Sorn - Stair

River Ayr Sorn

Happy New Year and the first major ramble of 2017 that merits a post.
There is no such thing as a bad walk. There are circumstances that might affect the walk but being outdoors is king. I know you can sense a BUT. Today's walk was a good one, a lovely crisp winters day, great scenery, some wildlife, a nice pint at the end, BUT the walk title is a bit of a misnomer. The long distance path is called the River Ayr Way, so you might think it does just that BUT as mentioned in my Stair-Ayr blog it digresses from the river for nearly half the walk. Still, I really enjoyed it as you will read AND I encourage you to do this, or at least the river sections.
I had two travel options, I could have got public transport but that would have involved 3 buses, would have taken 2 and a half hours hours, and with a tight turnaround at each stage it was not worth the risk of a traffic delay, missed bus, no walk. So onto my second option, Mrs B got up early and drove me to Sorn. Only 35 minutes and winter daylight time saved.

Sorn Bridge, Kirk, Graveyard

The car was showing -2 degrees at Sorn it was a cracking winters day. The light was magnificent,so good I took a snap upriver. I began the walk in the 'Main' street, probably called something else and walked west and crossed the old single track bridge across the River Ayr. The first 4 miles or so of river walk are quite something. The bridge (around 400 years old) stands opposite Sorn Kirk and its ancient graveyard, with some very interesting and old headstones if you have time to look.

A good track

Up the hill and quickly off road with good views of Sorn castle and another large marquee in its grounds, more weddings? Quickly thereafter the path descends to the river where you follow a good path to Catrine. It has been a cold night as you can see from the icicles in the branches just above the river.

Blurred icicles

At this time of the day the sense of isolation and tranquility is paramount. Only the sound of running water, birds calling in the trees and top notch unspoilt scenery, this is what it is all about.

Tranquil River Ayr

About 2 miles on you reach Catrine with the old industrial mill water driving weirs and holding ponds plus the newly constructed salmon ladder, great to see.
You depart from the river and aim to find the town square, it doesn't quite meet my expectations of a square to me, but, I ask a local and the burn crossing at 'Bridge St' is just ahead of me. Turn right and along the river we go, next destination, the new A76 Howford road bridge. Catrine is the last stop for food and drinks unless you want a longer detour to Mauchline later on. I get a brief sighting of a grey wagtail happily making its way along the opposite bank.

Salmon pass Catrine

Walk under the A76 bridge avoid the more obvious left track and go down towards the river to cross the Old Howford Bridge (built 1750 wow getting on for 300 years, solid construction) and head up the track. Sadly, not for the only time on this walk, fly tippers have dumped their domestic rubbish at the trackside, scum.
A left turn across a small field leads you into a ravine with magnificent compressed rock formations that make you think about the forces of nature that created these layers. I read that there are prehistoric cup and ring marks as well as modern graffiti. I think I see some possible examples but really an expert eye is required.

Rock layers

Now you have the equally magnificent, of the modern variety, Ballochmyle Railway viaduct (a train went over so still in use), which has as its claim to fame the longest masonry railway arch in the UK. The path is still in good condition but going up and down regularly so stretching the leg muscles.

Ballochmyle Viaduct

Enjoy the sounds of the running water as shortly the walk now leaves the river and for almost 4 miles is an inland countryside stroll. In parts it is public tarmac road, no pavements, take care particularly near Failford. It is also miles of fenced pathway, meaning direction is no issue and no livestock either is disturbed by you or vice versa. Some people complain about this herding but I will go for it as it keeps you safe. But why could it not be incorporated on the riverside that the landowners won't let you walk. I can only imagine it is fishing rights but I could be wrong. However, it does not keep you safe from growling angry dogs running free and well away from owner, at times some sort of spray as a safeguard would be welcome, probably illegal, and not even a sorry from the owners.

Herded in cannot get lost

At the hamlet of Failford I fancied a pint and a sandwich but the Inn was closed. Back to the emergency rations. A left turn takes you down into a stretch, known as the Ayr Gorge Woodland and a stunning section it is. It is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and a good job they are doing. Good walking and informative information boards. The river is cut into the gorge which has colourful sandstone rock formations, a reminder that Scotland was once attached to Africa, our geology is based on sand and this is a spectacular reminder.

Sandstone gorge Failford

A little later I was aware of my backside feeling colder than usual. Investigation found a very wet rucksack bottom, I had put my water bottle in the rucksack upside down, obviously with the top not sealed, a wet rucksack and lower jacket. Thankfully not far to go as nothing left to drink.
The gorge has several sets of steps both giving regular ascending and descending, a bit of breathing blowing, not such a good fitness sign. There are super views at times of the river meandering way down below when walking these upper sections.
A final climb breaks you out of the woods and back into open countryside. Then back down to the river for a short stretch until you reach the detour (a stile leading to a short field crossing) at Daldorch farm. Apparently a couple of landslips further on near Stair have rendered this river section impassable. Now it is about 3/4 of a mile away from the river on tarmac and a final section on a twisty busy road so take care.

Detour at farm ahead

Finally I called the good lady for my lift. I deliberately left this until late on so that I could have a pint of real ale in the impressive Stair Inn, well I had earned it.
12.52 miles in total taking 4 and a half hours with just over 1000 ft of climbing. A fine walk on a fine day in beautiful Ayrshire countryside the vast majority never see. Enjoy.