| 1. Take water proof clothing as the weather can change rapidly up at this height.This is essentially a route that crosses the Gleniffer Braes twice!
Head along the B787, Beith Road, for about a mile, till you reach Howwood. Across from the old police station there is a sharp double-back turn, onto the B776, Midton Road and Bowfield Road, which starts your incline onto the Gleniffer Braes. This incline continues for around a mile, with a failrly intense section at the top of Howwood. The B776 road continues through farmland and patchy woodland, with a variety of short inclines and descents. The Newton of Belltrees section of this route is particularly beautiful, although the water level has become very low. As the route stretches out to Uplawmoor, you can view (on clear days) the Ayrshire coast and Ailsa Craig. From just before the Caldwell crossroads, the road starts a long descent to Uplawmoor and the A736 (the low road). This continues on the A736 for around 5 miles, passing Shilford and Neilston Mill , before entering Barrhead. Turn left at the Allens corner roundabout and proceed down the B771 till you reach Barrhead railway station. At this point you will have travelled around 12 miles. A good point to stop, as you are about to start around 3.5 miles of climbing again. Starting at Graham Street, you will proceed on to Gateside Road and along to Gateside village. The road reverts to single track here. Shortly after Gateside village there is a steep descent into Killoch Glen, where there is a blind corner followed by an immediate sharp incline. This incline continues for around 300 yards, at which point there is a stretch of the road where you may encounter large quarry trucks. The incline continues for around 1/3 of a mile. When you approach a small wood, on Fereneze Road, you turn to the right. This road traverses the Gleniffer Braes, open farm and moor land. At the next junction turn right onto Tannoch Road, followed by a left turn onto Caplaw Road. This road continues until you reach the B775, Gleniffer Road junction. Go straight across and continue along until you reach an unmarked right turn. Take this turn and proceed along , starting your descent, until you reach a sharp left turn. Take this turn, onto Auchengreoch Road, and make your steep descent down to the Spateston estate. Turn left at the T junction onto the B787, Beith Road, and continue along to the Corseford Avenue turn off. That it. I hope you enjoy this route |