As the summer ends and we move into autumn, now is a great time to start wrapping up and enjoying a crisp morning walk along some of North, South and East Ayrshire’s most scenic routes. 

Yesterday marked the end of hot weather and a move towards longer nights, scattered leaves and wee fuzzy hats. 

To help you get out and enjoy those autumn colours, we’ve put together a list of some of the region’s best seasonal walking routes for everyone

4 – Galloway Forest Park 

Irvine Times: Kristine/Tripadvisor Galloway Forest ParkKristine/Tripadvisor Galloway Forest Park (Image: Kristine/Tripadvisor)

Located between South Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, Galloway Forest Park is an excellent place to explore nature and see some of the area’s stunning wildlife this autumn. 

The Park describes autumn as the best time to experience “magical colour changing trees” and to visit their grounds filled with plenty to see and do.  

3 – Eglinton Country Park 

Irvine Times: Clairebear1980/Tripadvisor The ruins of Eglinton CastleClairebear1980/Tripadvisor The ruins of Eglinton Castle (Image: Clairebear1980/Tripadvisor)

Filled to the brim with ruined castles, dense woodland, and amenities like cafés tennis courts and playparks, Eglinton Country Park is an excellent place to get active and learn about Ayrshire’s history this season. 

Eglinton Castle, which is just a stone’s throw away from Eglinton Loch, was built in 1797 by the 12th Earl of Eglinton before becoming a ruin in 1925. The castle is rumoured to have secret tunnels which are said to run all the way to Kilwinning Abbey. 

2 – Lynn Falls 

Irvine Times: Scottish-Hidden-Gems/Tripadvisor Lynn FallsScottish-Hidden-Gems/Tripadvisor Lynn Falls (Image: Scottish-Hidden-Gems/Tripadvisor)

Lynn Falls near the town of Darly is a small walking route packed with dozens of interesting features like waterfalls, rock formations, and quant paths for a great autumn walk. 

There is also a small carpark making it easy to head back to the car after your walk. 

1 – Dean Castle and Country Park 

Irvine Times: Graeme/Tripadvisor Dean CastleGraeme/Tripadvisor Dean Castle (Image: Graeme/Tripadvisor)

Located near the heart of Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire, Dean Castle is another location steeped in history and with plenty of autumn woodland walks. 

The park is built around Dean Castle, an ancient fort built by the Boyd family after the land was rewarded to them by Robert the Bruce for their services at the Battle of Bannockburn. 

What is the autumn equinox? 

A solar Equinox is a moment in time when the Sun crosses the Earth’s equator, covering the northern and southern hemisphere with an equal amount of sunlight. 

This makes the sun appear ‘due west’ and ‘due east’ in an event that happens twice a year. 

When is the autumn equinox? 

The first equinox of 2022 occurred on March 20 while the second equinox occurs on Friday September 23.