이스트 에어셔‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪6‬개의 천연기념물

It's a straightforward hike to to the summit, need to avoid the wetter parts on the path and can be a little rocky in places but no scrambling required. Views from the top a very good - we could just about make out Ben Lomond to the north through the heat haze, and Arran to the west.

Purportedly the location that Prophet Peden, famed Covenanter gave illicit sermons to the people of Ayrshire. Alexander Peden was a minister in the 17th century who, along with many others joined the cause of the Covenanters (see the Covenanters Highlight also on this route). He was one of the most famous of the Field Preacher's of the time, and wandered the hillsides of southern Scotland preaching to the masses. He was almost captured many times and took to wearing a cloth mask to hide his identity, which is now on display in Edinburgh's Museum of Scotland. However, in June 1673 he was captured and sentenced to transportation to America. The captain of the chartered ship discovered the reason for his transportation and set him free. Peden returned to Scotland and continued to preach until his death from ill health in 1686.

The money for its purchase was bequeathed to the town of Kilmarnock by former native insurance broker Alexander Kay who died in Glasgow in 1866, after whom it is named. The park opened on 9th August 1879. A product of the Victorian appetite for recreational green spaces amidst growing industrialisation, it was formerly the home of a miniature golf course, a few drinking fountains, pubs, boating in the pond and a band stand on the site. It is also home to a Burns Centre and a statue of the poet.

Loudoun Hill has a rich history regarding a famous battle carried out in 1307. It's also a volcanic plug and generally lovely to look at! For the adventurous hiker, there is an option to climb to the 316m summit, however this is steep and rocky so exercise with caution.

Ayr Gorge Woodlands is a stunning nature reserve that is one of the most important habitats in Ayrshire for invertebrates, plants, fungi and bats. The ancient woodland spans a steep sandstone ravine that has been carved by the River Ayr, covering it with oaks, ash and some old beech trees. Keep a look-out for kingfishers, otters, Atlantic salmon and the rare brown long-eared bat.

Glenbuck Loch is a pretty reservoir on the border of East Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire. It is the source of the River Ayr. The loch was formed in 1802 with the construction of two earthen dams at either end of the narrow glen and was built to power the cotton mills. Glenbuck Loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

A little swampy at the start but this gives way to rocky paths when the steeper ascent begins. Incredible 360 degree views of Ayrshire.