The Strollers and Striders group, affectionately known as the SAS, meet every Tuesday evening from early May until September. As the name implies this walking group is for people of all abilities who would enjoy an evening walk in various parts of this beautiful island in the company of like minded folks. The starting point and route is planned in advance – see list below. Tea or coffee, and biscuits are provided at the end of our exertions. This will be in the Church Centre if we finish nearby, otherwise we have flasks and other equipment stashed in the boot of a car and enjoy fellowship wherever we are.
Each walk lasts for 1 – 1½ hours – over paths, tracks, beaches, quiet roads and pavements. Occasionally we puff up inclines and sometimes encounter muddy patches, midgies, drizzle, downpours or even scorching sunshine. We always enjoy stunning scenery and each others company.
As the name suggests we aim to include people of all abilities and it is also possible to undertake shortened versions of the walk. The pace is leisurely (but you can walk more quickly if you wish), the distance not too far (2-4 miles on average) and the fellowship is warm and sincere.
The walks are open to all (including the four legged variety) and is not confined to church members. All you need is a sturdy pair of shoes or trainers, a pound coin (which is distributed to good causes at the end of the season) and an enthusiasm to join in.
The 2026 Programme of Walks
For all walks please meet at 7.00pm.
May 5th 2026 : LOCH FAD – (meet at the Church Centre)
via Lover’s Walk, Loch Fad Road, Causeway, Lochly Farm, Ashfield F arm and back to Church.
May 12th : PORT BANNATYNE – (meet at Public Park)
via the Loop Port Bannatyne Public Park, Garrison Road, Bogley Road, Gortans Road, Hydro Road and back to Port Bannatyne Park.
May 19th : KINGARTH – (meet at Kingarth Hotel)
via Kingarth Hotel, Kilchattan Bay, through wood to Airstrip, Golf Course, Langalbuinoch Farm, and back to Kingarth Hotel.
May 26th : EASTLANDS FARM – (meet at Eastlands Farm)
via Canada Hill, Golf Course, Ardbrannan Riding School, Bridle Way and back to Eastlands Farm.
June 2nd : ETTRICK BAY CIRCUIT – (meet at Tearoom)
via Tearoom, Tramway Path, Greenwood Crossing, Cranslagvourity Farm, and back along shore to Tearoom.
June 9th : KILMICHAEL BURIAL GROUND – (meet at Ettrick Bay Tearoom or Glecknabae)
via Tearoom or Glecknabae, Kilmichael Farm, down to burial ground and back to Glecknabae / Tearoom.
June 16th : ASCOG – (meet at Balmory Road, some cars to be left at Montford)
via Balmory Road, path to Waterworks Road, past waterworks, 2nd right to Bogany farm, to cottage at end of track to Montford.
June 23rd : SCALPSIE CIRCUIT – (meet at Scalps Car Park)
via car park, path to shore to Scalps, turn right, continue along shore path leading up to Ardscalpsie farm and back down to car park.
June 30th : DUNAGOIL CIRCUIT – (meet at St Blane’s Car Park)
via car park, Garrochty, pathway down to hut, along shore, Dunagoil Farm, back to car park.
July 7th 2026 : DHU LOCH – (meet at Church Centre)
via LOver’s Walk, Loch fad Road, path to Dhu Loch road down to causeway, Locally Farm, back to Church Centre.
July 14th : MOUNT STEWART – Leave cars at Church and Mount Stuart
via Cnocnicoll Wood, to Moor Road, West Road and back to Church Centre.
July 21st : BRUCHAG ROAD – (meet at Red Brick Houses)
via path passing Barefield, back to Bruchag Road and Red Brick Houses.
July 28th : STRAAD CIRCUIT – (meet at Straad)
via STraad Cottages on shore, over burn and stile, follow field up to Kilmory Farm, Quogach Farm, Ballycurrie Farm and back to Straad.
August 4th 2026 : DRUMREOCH CIRCUIT
August 11th : SKEOCH WOODS
August 18th : ASCOG KERRYCROY
August 25th : WOODEND HOUSE
September 1st 2026 : SKIPPER’S WOOD
September 8th : GREENAN LOCH
September 15th : MOUNT STEWART GARDENS
September 22nd : Dinner – to be arranged