Entirely inland, this route is very peaceful and offers easy walking! Initially across hilly moorland the path then winds it’s way down to the village of Ballantrae following farm tracks and quiet country roads. Almost entirely high-level, the views on a clear day are simply stunning. Look out for pheasants, rabbits, butterflies, lizards and plenty of cattle! You may even catch sight of the P&O ferry on a sailing between Stranraer and Belfast. Do the walk in early Spring to see the yellow flowering gorse bush at it’s finest.
Distance: 9 miles from Glenapp Kirk to where you join the A77 at Ballantrae
Click HERE to purchase the official Ayrshire Coastal Path Guide Book
Download the route to your mobile phone HERE (Viewranger app required)
Small parking area across the road from Glenapp Kirk, just off A77
Route: From the large information board follow the gravel track gently uphill. Turn right at a fork onto a steeper track which leads across open moorland with fantastic views across the coast. Pass through the gate at a dry stone wall and follow the way-markers for the Ayrshire Coastal Path to pass several large farms and onto quiet tarmac roads all the way down to the A77 just outside Ballantrae. Turn left along the pavement next to A77 and first left after crossing the bridge onto The Vennel. A short way along this street there is a car park on the right.
WALK REVIEW: 8th April 2017
I have only fond memories of this section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path and it is a walk which I will return to one day. Navigation was simple, the views tremendous, and to top it all off I hardly met a soul! I was very fortunate to stumble upon a glorious cloud-free day, albeit a little hazy in the distance which meant that Ailsa Craig was only just visible. I was blown away by the sheer volume of pheasants in this area! Initially every time one heard me coming and flapped off I would jump but I became used to them very quickly. I didn’t manage to capture any in photos, they were just too fast for me. On the very first section of this walk a lizard scuttered across the dry gravel path in front of me. It reminded me of my adventures hiking in France 🙂
What an excellent series of write-ups, Gillian. I’m about to do this section tomorrow, so was just checking the route and found your description, thank you.
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Hi Ruth how did you get on today? It’s a lovely walk! Thank you for your kind comment 😊
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Good walk today, thank you Gillian. The second half different way to yours, as I followed the alternative route along the cliffs. It was lovely, but too many cows (I hate them) and path a bit vague in places. Tired at the end, although only 10 miles in all.I don’t know how you manage to walk so far in one day!
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Mind over matter! I struggled from around the 16\17 mile mark and just had to plod on after that! It helps that the scenery is so nice. So glad you enjoyed it despite the cows! Well done 😊
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Despite living just outside Ballantrae I’ve yet to do this section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path.
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I can highly recommend it for a great day out! I’m sure some of your guests would love it too 😊
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