Explore Ayrshire's fascinating history by walking in the footsteps of Covenanters

Yahoo

11-07-2025

A brand new walking trail that charts the history of the Covenanters, a Presbyterian movement in 17th century Scotland who opposed English interference in their religion, will be officially opened in East Ayrshire next Saturday
One of life's great simple pleasures is enjoying a walk on a summer's day. But for regular ramblers, it can get quickly repetitive to do the same routes over and over.
Good news, then, that there is now a brand-new walking trail set to open next weekend – the Covenanter's Trail in East Ayrshire.
On Saturday 19 July, a special event will mark the official opening of this 7.74-mile (12.46 km) walking route that traces the footsteps of Scotland's Covenanting past. The event will begin at 11am at Lochgoin Museum, a site of deep historical significance dedicated to the memory of the Covenanting cause in Ayrshire.
So who were the Covenanters? A significant religious movement in 17th-century Scotland, the Covenanters had strong roots in Ayrshire, where they championed Presbyterianism and opposed English interference in Scottish religion, especially royal efforts to impose changes under Charles I.
In 1638 thousands of Scots signed the National Covenant, sparking the Bishops' Wars and securing control of the Scottish government.
They fiercely fought to keep Scotland's spiritual independence, and many faced persecution and execution until the Church of Scotland was restored as Presbyterian in 1688.
My knowledge of this chapter in Scotland's history was admittedly minimal before embarking on the trail. Thankfully then, the walking route started at Lochgoin Covenanters' Museum, an impressively comprehensive venue found in a modest cottage on the site of a working farm. Free to enter, the museum features plenty of information on local Ayrshire Covenanters, as well as artefacts, armoury and an interactive video screen.
It's a great place to initiate yourself in the Covenanting cause before beginning the walk – though it's important to note that this is a linear route and does not return to the same starting point. As a result, if you park your car at the Covenanting Museum you will have to be prepared to walk back to the start point, or arrange return transport.
With that in mind, East Ayrshire Leisure are arranging opportunities to join the walk at various points, including Waterside and Fenwick, on the day of the official launch.
From the museum, the route passes by the Lochgoin Monument, an impressive structure that offers wonderful views across the open farmland and across to the turbines of Whitelee Windfarm. It then winds across the open moorland of the windfarm, a strangely soothing environment that feels a world away from city life.
From there, it passes through some truly scenic stretches of countryside, alongside key memorials and points of interest from the history of the Ayrshire Covenanters. Eventually it finishes at the charming village of Fenwick, at the village's historic parish church (built back in 1643).
The kirkyard contains various graves and memorials to key figures in the Covenanting cause, and it's a fascinating place to wander around and learn more about the lives of those who gave everything for their religion. I found the route to be both an eye-opening insight into the history of the area, as well as a thoroughly enjoyable route through some gorgeous stretches of untouched countryside.
If you think you would like to explore the Covenanters Trail, make sure you head along to the official opening event next weekend. The event will begin at 11am at Lochgoin Museum with a short opening ceremony, before following the trail in its entirety to Fenwick Parish Church.
Along the way, there will be moments of reflection at key points on the route, with Rev. Kim Watt, Minister of Fenwick Church, offering walkers the opportunity to pause and consider the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives during this turbulent period in Scottish history.
The walk is expected to conclude at Fenwick Parish Church at approximately 2.30pm, where refreshments will be provided and the community will have the chance to gather in reflection.
In addition to the walk, a Conventicle Service will be held on Sunday at 3pm on Sunday 20 July at Fenwick Parish Church. This service will commemorate the spirit of the secret outdoor worship gatherings once held by the Covenanters – a fitting conclusion to the weekend's events.
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