While searching for waterfalls in Ayrshire, I stumbled upon Lynn Falls in the picturesque Lynn Glen, Dalry. A location I’d never heard of before my research and subsequent visit. Now, normally, I prefer a longer hike, but since my kids were tagging along, I figured this Lynn Falls walk fitted the bill nicely. I couldn’t have been more right! They loved it, as did I. Who would have thought that such a beautiful waterfall would be so easily accessible without the need to walk for miles through the middle of nowhere? Not that I don’t enjoy the satisfaction of finally reaching some far-off scenic place… It was just nice to take it easy for a change.
Lynn Glen Hike
My Experience
I thought the trailhead for this Lynn Glen walk would have been harder to find. Honestly, I don’t know what I was expecting. But, the whole experience was a breeze, from the first bus to finding Lynn Falls and then getting back home in the evening. A true hassle-free adventure.
After spotting a Lidl near the bus stop on Kilwinning Road for drinks on the way out, we made our way to the start of the walk by Lynn Bridge. Out of curiosity, I also stopped to check out the car park. It was early afternoon, the weather was decent, and there were plenty of parking spaces available.
From the car park, it was just a matter of crossing the bridge on the B714 and going through a gate on the right-hand side.
The walk is lovely from the get-go, leading through the woodlands and into Lynn Glen…
Before long, we reached Lynn Falls. Now, I did take a few minutes looking for the easiest way to the plunge pool, and from what I could see, there weren’t many options. So, we took the most obvious route, which involved a wee bit of a scramble. I was glad we’d left our shiny white trainers at home because we got pretty muddy despite our best efforts.
Standing there, in front of the waterfall, I realised I’d brought the wrong lens. Lynn Falls was larger than I expected, and the viewpoint was quite close. I would have had to wade into the water to capture the full scene. A good wide-angle lens is a must.
Photography blunders aside, it was still awesome down by the waterfall, watching and listening to the sheer power of nature, completely blocking the outside world.
Lynn Falls is beautiful. But my favourite spot turned out to be above the waterfall… There’s a path right beside the information board, which leads to an open area with a series of mini waterfalls. This is where we spent most of our time, relaxing by the water. And since nobody else was around, we enjoyed some real peace and quiet.
If it had been a warmer day, I’d have packed my swim shorts and a towel. The river was (mostly) shallow, but I did notice a few places suitable for a dip. I’d seen photos online of people wild swimming by Lynn Falls, and it definitely looked appealing!
Once we were done chilling at the falls and the area up top, we continued around the loop, making countless visits to Caaf Water and admiring the wood carvings and fairy doors scattered along the trail.
I couldn’t believe how fast time passed. The combination of scenery, the excitement of discovering an unfamiliar place, and the joy of spending the day outdoors with the kids saw the hours fly by…
Plan Your Hike
Lynn Glen Hike Basics
- Distance: The total distance for this circular walk around Lynn Glen is 1.18 miles (1.9 km).
- Duration: We took roughly 3 hours to complete the hike. This includes lengthy stops and lots of photos. We also spent a lot of time at the waterfalls. You could easily walk this trail in less than 1 hour. But I strongly recommend taking it slow.
- Elevation Gain: 197 ft (60 metres).
- Difficulty: It’s an easy walk, provided you’re fit and healthy. You’ll be walking on a well-defined path, but there are a few uphill sections and some steep stairs. Getting down to the waterfall is a little tricky, but other than that, you shouldn’t struggle.
How To Get To The Lynn Glen Trailhead
This Lynn Glen walk begins across the bridge by the car park off the B714, which is only a short walk from Dalry, 26.6 miles (42.81 km) from Glasgow and 73 miles (117.48 km) from Stranraer.
The trailhead is visible from the road and signposted.
We arrived in Dalry by bus from Kilmarnock to Irvine (Stagecoach Service 11 towards Ardrossan), then Irvine to Dalry (Stagecoach Service 25 towards Beith) and walked to the trailhead from Kilwinning Road.
Driving to the trailhead is also possible.
Here are your options:
By Car
Turn onto the B714 from Kilwinning Road and park in Lynn Bridge Carpark. Cross the bridge on foot and turn right through the gate.
Postcode: KA24 4JT
By Bus
It takes under 5 minutes to walk from the bus stop to the Lynn Glen Hike Trailhead.
Get off the bus on Kilwinning Road and walk south to the roundabout. Turn right onto the B714 and continue across Lynn Bridge. The trailhead is on the right-hand side.
Check return ticket prices against an Ayrshire DayRider. Ask the driver which is cheaper when boarding the bus. An Ayrshire DayRider offers unlimited bus travel around the region, all day, regardless of the number of stops made.
By Train
There are regular trains from Glasgow Central to Dalry. The service is operated by ScotRail, and the journey takes roughly 32 minutes, followed by a 20 minute walk from the station to the trailhead.
From Dalry Train Station, walk north, past the car park and towards Bridgend Lane. There’s a walking trail across the road (on the left). Follow the trail, crossing the bridge over the River Garnock, and then walk the path beside Putyan Burn to Kilwinning Road. Turn left and head to the roundabout. Take a right onto the B714 and continue across Lynn Bridge. The trailhead is on the right-hand side.
How To Walk The Lynn Glen Circular
You can walk this circular route in either direction.
Stick to the trail, and you won’t get lost. The walk is straightforward throughout, apart from one section… After crossing the Troll Bridge, take the trail which leads uphill on the right, not the path through the grass (left).
Here’s the route I took:
I always recommend installing AllTrails or OS Maps for peace of mind.
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Best Time To Visit Lynn Glen
Lynn Glen is beautiful all year round.
I’d usually suggest visiting a waterfall after rainfall to see them at their most impressive. However, due to the muddiness of the trail, steep drops, slipperiness, and difficulty of the terrain near the waterfalls, it’s probably safer to hike this route on a dry day.
This trail doesn’t generally get overcrowded. Our visit was in July, and we only encountered locals walking their dogs and a young couple out for a stroll. One issue you might come across on a busier day is parking since the car park is quite small. Arrive early!
Check the weather before visiting Lynn Glen to ensure the conditions are suited to your preferred experience and abilities.
What To Pack
You don’t need any specialist gear for Lynn Glen. Pack light.
Here are the essentials:
- Wear good walking shoes or hiking boots, as the path is uneven in parts and slippery, especially on rainy days. There are also some very high drops.
- Bring layers and a waterproof jacket. Scottish weather can be unpredictable!
- Carry enough water and snacks for your time in the area.
- Midges (summer months) and ticks are rife around Lynn Glen. Use insect repellent and pack a tick removal tool.
Dalry is the nearest settlement to Lynn Glen. If you need to stock up on supplies, you can do so easily.
Where To Next?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Craig Swain has lived in Ayrshire (Scotland) for almost 40 years. He travels extensively around the region, seeking the best destinations, adventures, and experiences.
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