Jim Dunlop Memorial Community Walking Festival

The festival is held in honour of the late Jim Dunlop, a devoted volunteer Walk Leader and a great believer in getting as many people as possible involved in physical activity regardless of their age or ability.

The Walking Festival will include a range of walks aimed at all ages and abilities and will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some fresh air, good company and hopefully some sunshine.

On Monday 22 July, the Walking Festival will launch in style with the Two Castles walk starting at Dean Castle Country Park car park, Kilmarnock at 12.15pm. The walk, which will take two hours, will meander through beautiful countryside to Craufurdland Castle. A shorter walk of just half an hour will also be on offer.

On Tuesday 23 July the festival will reach Darvel with a lovely walk through Lanfine estate; on Wednesday 24 July the Water Meetings walk will be held in Kilmaurs; Thursday 25 July will be a visit to the glorious Dumfries House estate and the finale of the festival will take place on Saturday 27 July with a walk from Galston to Loudoun Hill.  

Councillor Elena Whitham, Depute Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities said: “I joined the Vibrant Communities team recently on a health walk within Dean Castle Country Park. It was so enjoyable. The team and all the walkers gave me a very warm welcome and the scenery was just beautiful.

“The Jim Dunlop Memorial Community Walking Festival is a wonderful way for the team to remember a dear friend and also to encourage people of all backgrounds, ages and fitness levels to improve their lives through exercise.”

For further information on times and distances of the walks please call 01563 576354.