This popular walk starts at the War Memorial car park (NS094585) and, after a short stretch on the Moor Road, heads west along Lord James’ Ride before turning south and returning via the Drumreoch farm buildings.  Botanically, it offers a variety of habitats:  a woodland strip to at the start, then open moorland followed by a bridleway/access track and finally improved farmland.  Although each of these sections has its own attractions (note Whorled Caraway, the white umbellifer that brightens the moorland section at this time of year), I shall concentrate on the wonderful “balcony” track that forms the middle section, from NS079587 to NS083581. 

Lined by mature hedgerows, it has splendid views across to the coast and the Arran mountains beyond.   It forms part of the West Island Way, an alternative access being from the south near Langalbuinoch farm.   Later in the year, as the vegetation starts to die back, the hedgerows with their crop of blackberries and elderberries will become the main focus of attention, but for now it is the floral colours that catch the eye. 

Enjoy the cream and white of Meadowsweet and Hogweed, the purple/mauve of Foxglove, Knapweed, Marsh Thistle and Tufted Vetch and the reds of Red Clover and Red Campion.   Much of the yellow colour is provided by Meadow Vetchling and Greater Birds-foot-trefoil, species which can sometimes be confused;  here is a good place to differentiate them as they grow side-by-side in profusion.  Both are members of the Pea family, but the former is a more lemony colour and, unlike the latter, it uses tendrils (think of Sweet Peas) to assist its upward growth.

 Species on my list for this section of the walk include: