Walk 178 – Ayr Gorge Woodlands Reserve, Failford – 3.5 miles

The download/follow button on this post contains an affiliate link from which I make a small commission. More info in the Privacy Policy – linked in footer. 

Ayr Gorge Woodlands Reserve is the 'jewel in the crown' of the Scottish Wildlife Trust Ayrshire. Follow the path of the River Ayr as it flows through a deep red sandstone gorge. This circular / figure-of-eight route takes you around most of the main trails, giving you the opportunity to explore this beautiful ancient woodland including the popular viewpoint at Peden's Cove.

NOTE: Larch tree felling and timber extraction in progress, expected completion date end October 2023. some path closures and diversions may be in place. Visit the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s website for updates.

TERRAIN: Earth footpaths throughout (can be muddy). Lots of steps and uneven ground as well as uphill/downhill sections. Several benches to rest at. 

Click here for a shorter walk to Peden’s Cove viewpoint & back (2 miles)

Print  Dog-friendly walk (please note some steep embankments next to footpath)

  Small parking area opposite Failford Inn (KA5 5TF). There is also a bus service to Failford from Cumnock or Ayr.

Route map - Ayr Gorge Woodland walk

WALK REPORT

This is one of my favourite walks in Ayrshire and is a place I return to often. Nothing can quite prepare you for the reflections in the river on a calm sunny day, and if you time it right the sun hitting the water shows up the red from the sandstone beneath.

It is a fantastic family walk with lots to hold the kids’ interest. Popular with locals as a place to walk their dogs too. Just remember your wellies if it has been raining because the paths get really muddy (another reason kids love it!)

This route also gives you a great introduction to the River Ayr Way – you will see the marker posts as you wander along. I also love that the river marks the East Ayrshire/South Ayrshire boundary! The walk is on the South Ayrshire side.

Lovingly looked after by the Scottish Wildlife Trust Ayrshire, you will notice that the steps are well-maintained and there are information boards dotted around which tell you about some of the history of the area as well as what wildlife can be spotted.

Not to be missed if doing this walk is the short de-tour along to Peden’s Cove – definitely a hidden gem in Ayrshire! It is both a beautiful, peaceful viewpoint across the river as well as a place of great historical interest. An information board on site tells you all you need to know. It is one of my wishes for places like that to be preserved and for information to be made available about them so that their history is not forgotten through the generations. Peden’s Cove is a great example of that.

Reflections in the River Ayr
The River Ayr as it flows through this magnificent red sandstone gorge. If you time it right, the sunshine penetrating the water makes it glow red!
Staircase with handrail
There are LOTS of stairs along the woodland trails, particularly on the longer route. The shorter circular walk only has one set. Personally I love them, they give the walk a quirky feel and will be popular with kids! 
Reflections in the River Ayr
Reflections in the River Ayr. This was taken on the longer route which is definitely the one to do to experience the beauty of the gorge to the utmost. 
Red sandstone staircase at Peden's Cove viewpoint
The red sandstone staircase at Peden’s Cove (the sandstone wears down easily so in order to preserve this historical site please don’t be tempted to walk on the steps)

Share This Post

Support the continued creation of free, high quality content on this website by becoming a Patron or by making a one-off donation.