Kaim Hill and Fairlie Glen
North Ayrshire
Kaim Hill rises to 387 metres on the moorland edge behind Fairlie, a village on the North Ayrshire coast. Dogs can enjoy the glen's woodland paths and some off-lead freedom on the open moor above, though faint paths and possible sheep call for a lead near the village. This out and back route, described by Walking Britain, leaves Fairlie railway station on tarmac paths through the village and then climbs Fairlie Glen, a wooded glen of deciduous trees. On the way up it passes the partly restored ruins of Fairlie Castle and several waterfalls on the Fairlie Burn below the path. At the top of the glen the path crosses a footbridge over the burn and heads out over rough moorland to the summit, marked by an OS trig column, where the view opens out over the Firth of Clyde. The walk is 5.7km with 333 metres of ascent. Moorland paths are faint in places, and the return is by the same route.
This is a dog friendly walk that packs a lot into a short outing: shady woodland, waterfalls and a real hilltop. In the glen a dog with good recall can have some freedom, and the burn gives water on the way up. Above the glen the moor is open ground, so keep a lead handy for sheep and use it in spring and early summer, when birds nest on the ground. There is no shade on the top. Parking at Fairlie station is limited, and Largs, a few miles north, has plenty of cafes and shops.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.7 km (3.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Waterfall, Historic
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route; shops and cafes in Largs.
- Parking
- Limited parking at Fairlie railway station.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Kaim Hill and Fairlie Glen, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in North AyrshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Kaim Hill and Fairlie Glen dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The wooded glen, waterfalls and burn make the climb interesting for a dog, and the hilltop has big views. The score reflects the open moorland above the glen, where sheep may graze and ground-nesting birds breed, and the faint, rough paths near the summit.
Can dogs be off lead at Kaim Hill and Fairlie Glen?
In the woodland of Fairlie Glen, a dog with reliable recall can usually have some time off lead, keeping close near the castle ruin and the waterfalls. On the open moor above, use a lead whenever sheep are in sight and during the ground-nesting bird season from spring to midsummer. Keep dogs on a lead through the village streets at the start and finish.
What should I know before visiting Kaim Hill and Fairlie Glen with my dog?
Walking Britain allows about two hours forty minutes for the 5.7km there and back, with 333 metres of climbing. The moorland paths are faint and rough, so good footwear and some navigation are useful in mist. Parking at Fairlie railway station is limited, and the station itself makes it easy to arrive by train. Carry water for your dog above the glen.
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