Darvel Branch

The Darvel Branch was a railway line in Ayrshire, Scotland, constructed by the Glasgow and South Western Railway (G&SWR). It branched from the Kilmarnock to Dumfries main line at Hurlford and ran to the town of Darvel, serving the textile mills and local communities in the upper Irvine Valley.

The line was primarily built to facilitate the transportation of coal, raw materials (particularly cotton and wool), and finished textile products. Passenger services were also provided, connecting Darvel to Kilmarnock and beyond. The opening of the line significantly boosted the economic activity of Darvel and surrounding villages like Galston and Newmilns.

The Darvel Branch faced increasing competition from road transport in the mid-20th century. Passenger services were withdrawn in 1964 as part of the Beeching cuts. Freight traffic continued for a time, but eventually ceased entirely. The line was subsequently closed and the track lifted, leaving no trace of the railway except for some embankments and bridge abutments. The route is now largely used as a public walkway and cycle path, forming part of the Irvine Valley Trails.