In my recent Walks for Mental Health, I wandered into Kilwinning today. I’ve gone past it many times on the train or bus, but this was the first time I stopped to visit.
What I found was a small but elevated town, with a pleasant high street and the remains of Kilwinning Abbey — peaceful and grand.
There are thoughtful touches of art in the public space: commissioned mosaics, and a hidden mural next to Kilty’s Lounge. I also loved the historic architecture of Mother Lodge, dating back to the 12th century. It is said that it started as a place for skilled stone workers who built the Kilwinning Abbey to train and stay at. In warm months you can also climb the abbey’s clock tower, see the original bell and take in amazing views of the town.
Lately, I’ve been exploring North Ayrshire during my Walks for Mental Health. They are not really about fixing any particular mental health issue, but looking after myself, discovering the area of Scotland I moved to from London, and allowing small places to speak softly for themselves.
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