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Harelaw Dam, Long Loch and James's Hill

Explore great views over lochs and dams, in the countryside above Neilston

Harelaw Dam

Two walks with different start points and great views over lochs and dams, Ayrshire, Arran and the hills to the north.

About the route

DistanceBoth walks are around
3 miles out and back
Time1.5 hours each
Start/FinishHarelaw Road and the
B769 Stewarton Road
GradeModerate
Local ShopsNeilston


Download a map of the route with directions  (PDF) [1MB]

Please remember when you are enjoying the outdoors, you must follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Watch a video of the route 

Directions

Walk 1

Lochend Hill and Long Loch

Start from the car park on Harelaw Road (Alternatively you can walk from Neilston taking the track that runs east of Neilston Pad). Walk up Harelaw Road past Harelaw Dam and just after a farm on the left climb the stile at the sign which says 'footpath no dogs'. Follow the track through gates and a small section of woods to Harelaw Dam.

The track continues uphill and then down to Long Loch. Alternatively you can climb to a small cairn at the top of Lochend Hill for great views of Neilston Pad and the hills to the north. Return by the same route.

Walk 2

Middleton wind farm and James's Hill

Start from the entrance to Middleton wind farm on the B769 Stewarton Road. There is no car park or vehicle access to the wind farm. Follow the track and at the junction take the track to the left. After a short walk climb up behind the wind turbine to the triangulation pillar at top of James's Hill. Return to the track and follow it on to a viewpoint over Long Loch with views to the Arran Hills. A short distance on past the next turbine there is a small cairn with views of Neilston Pad and the hills to the north.
Return to the track and follow it back to the junction.

Take the track to the left and follow it past Dod Hill and through a gate to the last turbine. Return by the same route.

Last modified on 25 June 2024