Buggy friendly (the path along the cliffs is narrow in places so you may prefer to walk along the Ballast Bank path both ways – see below for photos and more info)
Parking available on the sea front just off Harbour Road, Troon. If using public transport I recommend doing the route in reverse, starting at Troon South Beach – Troon train station is half a mile away and local buses stop on South Beach/B749 right next to the start point.
View full route description
The walk starts and ends in the car park at the end of Harbour Road, Troon. Head South to the far end of the car park to reach the base of the ballast bank. Keep right to head onto a stone footpath built into the base of the ballast bank. Enjoy this exhilarating “cliff path” for 700m, looking out to the Forth of Clyde on your right-hand side. At the end of the cliff path you will emerge onto Titchfield Road. Turn right (South East) to follow the pavement, passing rows of houses on your left and grassy foreshore on your right. This leads to a wide promenade, which heads around the bay to the recreational amenities at Troon South Beach. To return to the start, begin by retracing your steps West back along the promenade and Titchfield Road, until you reach the base of the ballast bank once again. Head uphill via a wide set of steps onto the top of the ballast bank. Here you will find a wide grassy footpath with several benches dotted along it. This elevated position offers fantastic views across to the Isle of Arran on a clear day. After passing the sawmill on your right-hand side, the path descends off the ballast bank and into the Harbour Road car park.
WALK REVIEW: 6th January 2016
A coastal walk today! When I told Nathan this morning that we would be walking along a cliff he wasn’t too sure of the safety of such an idea, concerned that might fall into the sea… However once there he was super excited and really enjoyed himself.
The tide was out and it was a calm day. I remember my dad bringing me here for walks when I was wee but I hadn’t been along the path for years so it was like taking a trip down memory lane.
This walk has plenty to keep the kids entertained. We were treated to low flying aircraft every few minutes taking off and landing at neighbouring Prestwick Airport – I actually had no idea this airport was still as busy! The play park, complete with a shipwreck to climb on, was definitely a highlight for them. We spent a good half hour playing there before I was too cold and prised them away.
About halfway along Ballast Bank there is a viewfinder which indicates the direction of Ailsa Craig, Isle of Arran, Royal Troon Golf course, Dundonald Hill, and various other points of interest. Nathan was really interested in the workings of the sawmill which you can see into towards the end of the walk.
It was after 1pm when we arrived back at the car and the boys were tired and hungry. Luckily I had taken a secret supply of homemade shortbread with me (made by a good friend for our New Year’s Eve celebrations – thanks Lynsey W!) and this kept them sweet for the journey home. Thanks to the fresh sea air they both wound up rosy cheeked and fast asleep within 2 minutes of setting off for home: result!
