The Irvine Valley Regeneration Partnership

The Irvine Valley Paths Network - Mrs Mack's Poem

Gwyneth Guthrie, Mrs Mack from Take the High Road, opened the Paths Network with the following poem, which gives a vivid description of the Irvine Valley Area.

Today is a celebration
On this bonnie Sunday in May
A recognition of this land we love
The Irvine Valley Walk Way

From Galston, Darvel up the Brae
Trails from Newmilns too
It is my joy and pleasure
To recommend these strolls to you

A panoply of views are yours
A feast for care-torn eyes
It’s therapy!  A freedom
Your body revitalised

Walking is good and wholesome
As you breathe in the clean Ayrshire air
From Ranoldcoup Bridge up Poachers Loup
There are signposts everywhere!

There’s so many daunders you can take if you like!
Grougar, Lang Cairn, Burn Anne and Dyke
Not forgetting the Big Wood in Spring
Paths laced with bluebells
Where nesting birds sing

A plethora of sweet wild flowers
Adorn these walks for you
So many different species
Herbs, Cowslip, Primrose too

Marsh marigolds, daffodils, snowdrops
Meadowsweet, celandines
Wild orchids … often stretching for the light
Amongst the fragrant pines

Slow stately sycamores, copper beeches and conifers
Lanfine’s rich bounty abounds
Weeping ash, spanish chestnut, dogwood, redwod
All these trees can be found
 

A myriad of wildlife
Thrives in our Valley here
Rabbits, badgers, pheasant, spotted woodpecker and roe deer

Not forgetting heron
Swallows nesting in late spring
Then leave us in September
With youngsters on the wing

So let us on this Sabbath in May
Give thanks to our Maker above
For this soil of ours, this heritage
Irvine Valley that we love

Our hearts expand in this bonnie place
Nature’s bounty we hold dear
Your walkways now are open
I’m proud and happy to be here

                                                Gwyneth Guthrie

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