Walk 123 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ledalfoot to Girvan (6 miles)

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Starting in the village of Lendalfoot, this route involves some beach walking as well as a pleasant inland stretch on farm tracks across some higher ground. Some very interesting geology can be found on the beaches as you approach Girvan! On a clear day enjoy stunning views across to Ailsa Craig for the entire walk. Keep your eyes peeled for Roe Deer!

  Car park at the Varyag memorial, Lendalfoot (KA26 0JG) and at Ainslie Park, Girvan (KA26 0HW). Bus service between Girvan and Lendalfoot. Girvan is also served by a train station, 1.5 miles further along the coast from Ainslie Park.

Purchase the official Ayrshire Coastal Path guide book


WALK REVIEW: 8TH APRIL 2017

For me, this walk was the last third of a 27 mile hike which had started 6hrs prior in Glenapp. Despite being physically tired, I just absolutely loved it. The beaches were pristine with huge numbers of seabirds, interesting rock structures and gorgeous white sand. The high-level section broke up the beach walking perfectly and I was lucky to experience bone dry conditions underfoot going across the fields.

What annoyed me somewhat was that the Walkhighlands route description didn’t specify distances between different points: for example it told me to “drop down onto the beach (in Lendalfoot) and continue until Pinbain Burn is reached” at which point I should cross the A77 and head inland.  The problem was that there were several burns running down onto the beach so I kept worrying that I had missed the turn-off and this resulted in a lot of to-ing and fro-ing and worrying. It turned out that it is almost 2 miles along! If I had known that I could have enjoyed it better. I know now for next time and have made sure  to include that info for you in my route description above …. 🙂

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Beautiful sandy beach at Lendalfoot
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This is the point at which you come off the beach and head inland. Note the ACP signage and the wooden gate just in front of the rocks at the other side of the road.
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Steep ascent on an old coach road, leading you up onto the hillside

It had been a relatively breezy day even at a low level, but I became aware of how exposed I was on the hillside path when I needed do don an extra layer and tie my hair back to see where I was going! Traversing the hillside was simply spectacular, the views to die for. As had been the case for the majority of my day so far, I had the track to myself with the exception of some sheep and a lone Roe Deer which ran across the field ahead of me!

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WHAT….A…..VIEW! Looking back.
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Got to love a high-level path with a view! So open…. so windy….. 😀
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Where the track turns to field. The continuation of the path is across the dark tire tracks. There is one small muddy puddle on this photo, the rest of the ground was actually very dry but according to Walkhighlands this section can become extremely boggy at times.
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That is some stile!

Back down to sea level for the final 2 miles, I chose to walk along the shore into Girvan (there is also a pavement along the A77 should you prefer: easier walking but not so peaceful or scenic!) I was fascinated by the rock structures along this beach  – an area known as Kennedy’s Pass, named after T. F. Kennedy of Dalquharran who was the first to pass through it. There was row upon row of flat narrow rocks running perfectly parallel to each other, as well some larger spiky ones emerging from the sand. I do have to wonder at how all this came to be! Mother Nature at her best <3

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Arriving in Girvan I was treated to the most gorgeous sunset behind Ailsa Craig whilst awaiting my chariot home. Perfect end to an amazing day!

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Go to: next section Girvan to Maidens
Go to: previous section Ballantrae to Lendalfoot
Go to: full Ayrshire Coastal Path review

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