Walk 9 : Colmonell to Barrhill : 10 miles
Starting at Colmonell Parish Church, the stained glass within is not to be missed : it is one of the finest examples of Arts and Crafts stained glass in the country, by Louis Davis and Douglas Strachan. Outside, there is a variety of interesting gravestones, including the tomb of the parents of John Snell, who was one of the great benefactors of Scottish education in the 17th Century : his father was a blacksmith at nearby Almont, but he rose to wealth and position under the Duke of Monmouth, leaving an endowment to scholars from Glasgow University to attend Oxford. The route runs parallel to the B734 on the south side of the River Stinchar, on off-road tracks, before reaching Pinwherry. The ruined Castle is on private land, but can be viewed from the road. Minor roads leading out of PInwherry are followed, then off-road tracks, including a steep ascent on a private estate, before finally descending to Barrhill, which is the most southerly train station for those using train travel to return to their start point.
This inland section of road in attractive undulating countryside, partly in woodland, includes some off-road walking which may be muddy and at least one steep ascent south of Pinwherry. Offerings of food and drink may be limited, though there is a shop in Barrhill.
Illustrative maps courtesy of David Langworth, Cartographer
Detailed walking instructions can be purchased from www.whithornway.org
