River Ayr Way Muirkirk - Sorn

Typical River Ayr scene

Having completed my Forth & Clyde canal walk last week it gave me the incentive to complete the other long distance walks that I have semi completed. The easiest geographical one and today’s walk is the River Ayr Way. 
Today I have to rely on public transport and as such I cannot find transport from Muirkirk to Glenbuck so I am only going with Muirkirk to Sorn today and return to complete Glenbuck to Muirkirk tomorrow.
Three bus journeys gets me from Barassie to Muirkirk, an experience in itself and that's before I even start my walk.

I have no doubts that this is the most scenic section of the river walk but I am glad that I did it on a warm spring day and not a wild winter version.
A stop at the local shop for my refreshments then a walk out to Kames to start it proper. A brief chat with a couple of locals confirms that the route should be ok for livestock ie cattle. The skies are blue but there is still an edge to the easterly wind so light jacket kept on.
The track is good walking and simple to follow for the full walk. Quite soon it feels encouragingly remote but only after walking past the impressive go kart circuit and the more rustic golf course. There is a historic feeling to be walking on the MacAdams experimental tarmac surface.

Tibbies brig

Plenty of sheep around, as all day, but quickly the rugged moorland becomes picturesque, Tibbie’s Brig with its seating, a lovely spot.
Following the old railway track through the light woods I disturb at close order a red grouse, a roe deer and a cock pheasant, all within 5 minutes, now this is a country walk.

When you reach the small iron fenced martyrs grave there is also a board, please read the history. Apt that this spot also returns to the River Ayr which this walk is all about. A very pleasant mile or so of twisting & turning riverwalk, calming water one minute, riffles the next, eroded banking showing what can happen when the river rises. Wildlife in this short section included mallard, grey heron, stoat, roe deer, 11 ducklings scampering into the tree lined embankment, flying across the water like pond skaters. Never saw the parent, hung about for a snap but they were more patient than me and never reappeared.

Opencast plantation

Now there is a reminder of current industry practices, a vast opencast site which is still operational. A huge quarry has been water filled but at least the surrounding area is under plantation to hide it from view.

I crossed the A70 and followed the river to the Airds Moss bridge. You now have a real moorland feel and because it is a relatively low ground there is also a big sky feel. On the exposed landscape the easterly wind is felt but at least it is mainly behind me. New birds: lapwing; stonechat; curlew; meadow pipit (I think one looked different enough to be a tree pipit); oystercatcher.
This is not only an RSPB bird sanctuary but has deep Covenanter history as well as local Muirkirk history. 

The barren moor/bog land is being criss crossed by ravens and crows trying to identify the nests of the breeding birds, a buzzard also makes an experience.
In terms of local history I come across the memorial to the farmer and poet John Lapraik, friend of Rabbie, in the same fenced off field are these Canada geese, surprised to see the geese still around, maybe fully fledged immigrants.
After a couple of miles of following the river the track moves away and rises up to cross more moorland. The remainder of the walk continues this theme of moving away from and returning to the river. Of course most of diversion means climbing but the views remain worthwhile.

Just after leaving the Aird moss area I was reflecting that this landscape was perfect for the Cuckoo, so numerous a couple of days ago on Arran, but so silent here. Then, no kidding, within 10 seconds one started calling, is that spooky or what?

Looking bag Cairn Table in distance

For long periods there is minimal sound apart from the river and the wildlife so just perfect to chill and enjoy a wild walk. In the distance an occasional car is sighted. The moorland is being left behind to return to more traditional woodland but not before isolated trees are clinging to the steep slopes.

Clinging for life

As I approach Sorn there are more pastures and more farmland workings but really you don’t know that you are approaching Sorn until you see the Sorn Estates private fishing notices and then when you leave the wood and join the main road, there you are, the village of Sorn.

Almost at Sorn

For some reason it felt like a longer walk than reality, maybe just tired legs on a sunny day. Very, very different from the temperature when I left Sorn on this journey earlier this year.
Walk distance 12.91 miles which took me 4.52 hours. 216 metres of ascent.
Pity Sorn Inn was closed for the afternoon so no finishing pint!!