Despite its popularity, proximity to Glasgow, and compact size this is a delightful walk. It’s easy to get to, has parking nearby and the walk by the White cart river is both beautiful and full of surprises. Its about 5-6 miles long.
Getting there
Take your usual route onto M77 towards Kilmarnock. Leave the M77 at Exit 3 (A727) and go left at the lights. Continue over the Speirsbridge Roundabout. Note: approach in the left line and as that splits keep right so you end in the middle lane at the entrance to the roundabout. Continue ahead (Rouken Glen Road) and over the Eastwood Toll Roundabout (still the A727). At the Clarkston Toll Roundabout take the first exit (B767) which goes tightly over the railway. Take the first right into a public car park by Clarkston Library.
The Walk
From the car park head towards the Library and the path that rises to meet Stamperland Hill. Turn left. At the junction with Stamperland Gardens (opposite a church) turn right and then take the first left (Orchy Drive). Turn right into The Oval and continuing round, take the first road on the right and then turn left onto Randolph Drive. Continue for 200m and turn right down a short path between properties. At the end, turn right onto Nethervale Avenue. At the end of the road turn right (Netherview Road) for 150m and take a narrow pathway between houses on the left. This goes down to the White Cart River. At the bottom of this descending path turn left and follow a pleasant path with the river on the right. Continue until the White Bridge but keep on the main path – do not cross the bridge. The sound of a waterfall will increasingly be heard from the right. After about 250m take the path downwards to the right to follow the river more closely. There are views of the waterfall here. Continue on this path and when it joins the main path turn right. Continue past Holmwood House (National Trust) and cross Millholm Road. The next section towards Snuff Mill Bridge, is undulating (and can be muddy when wet or after rainfall) and involves a number of short ‘stairways’. There is no rush, take them at your own pace. At Snuff Mill Bridge there are beautiful views of the river. On approaching the bridge turn right and cross the river. After 75m turn right again into Linn Park – it is signed at the entrance railings. The walk now follows a broad tarmacadam path back to the White Bridge although there is a more attractive path (again muddy when wet) which runs closer to the river. At the White Bridge turn left and retrace your steps to the car park.