Carrick towns and villages stars of historic trail

The Whithorn Way is a newly mapped 143 mile walking and cycling route, which follows much of the westerly pilgrimage route to Whithorn, travelled by pilgrims for more than 1000 years.

It is hoped being recognised as towns and villages used by pilgrims, the route will boost tourism in Girvan and South Carrick and regenerate the town.

Julia Muir Watt, Development Manager for the Whithorn Trust, told the Girvan Town Team: “We have been helping the Whithorn Way.

“Whithorn is the most requented pilgrimage site in Scotland and it is thought the roads to Whithorn still exist. Many of the modern roads follow the exact route taken by pilgrims.

“There is medieval heritage everywhere and at the settlements created from Glasgow to Whithorn.”

Explorers can walk or cycle one of the 13 ancient routes starting from Glasgow Cathedral through the 143 miles of rambling back roads, quiet cycle paths, or stunning beach walks, to Whithorn. 

The Whithorn Way, which took pilgrims through Paisley before travelling through Ayrshire including Girvan and Ballantrae can be walked in one go or on separate occasions. 

Julia continued: “We wanted to create something that would work well on social media and on someone’s phone. 

“We got money from LEADER and a film crew. By using a drone we could film the 143 mile long route. There are sites the pilgrims used in Maybole, Girvan and Colmonell.

“We took individual footage of each of the separate routes and we will release them one by one, week by week. There will be 13 films in total and this should act as a trailer.

“We will be going to Girvan Primary School to encourage the pupils to create stamps for the route which will be awarded once someone has completed one of the sections of the Whithorn Way.

“Hopefully people will get all 13 stamps and a certificate from Whithorn. One of our aims is regeneration and encourage tourists to Girvan.”

Pictures from The Whithorn Way Facebook page