Solo walking through woodland trails to the colourful Brazilian graffiti covered Kelburn Castle and scenic estate grounds.
A hike to Kelburn Castle and Estate took me from Fairlie Castle across hills and woods in North Ayrshire. I followed clear paths that climbed steadily before entering into shaded sections, with short, steeper pulls in places and firm ground underfoot. The route felt straightforward to navigate and gave a good mix of open views and enclosed woodland.
Reaching the estate brought the change in character I was hoping for. I got a bit lost but when I found the castle, its painted exterior by Brazilian graffiti artists stood out against the surrounding greenery and is refreshing compared to other castles I have seen. I spent time walking the nearby tracks and open spaces around the grounds, taking in the contrasts between the older buildings and the more natural parts of the landscape.
This was a simple, satisfying hike that linked a historic start at Fairlie Castle with the distinctive setting of the Kelburn Estate. The combination of hillside paths, woodland stretches and the final approach to the castle made the day feel varied. It is the sort of route that rewards steady progress and offers a clear destination, with enough changes in terrain to stay interesting from start to finish.
