If you’re a lover of the great outdoors or long distance walking adventures, chances are you’ve heard of the Ayrshire Coastal Path. Stretching along the stunning coastline of Ayrshire, Scotland, this picturesque route offers breathtaking views along the Firth of Clyde, passing a number of historic castles on a mixture of rugged clifftop trails and golden sandy beaches. But what makes this path even more special is the community effort behind its upkeep and promotion.
Recently, Gillian’s Walks, in collaboration with EnRich Outdoors, embarked on a mission to introduce more people to the wonders of this coastal gem. Through a series of guided walks, and with support from the volunteer Path Wardens, we not only showcased the beauty of the path but also raised funds to support its maintenance.
Over the course of 12 months, adventurers joined together to explore different sections of the Ayrshire Coastal Path. We walked the route one section at a time under the expert leadership of walk guides Gillian, Harry and Linsday, who took care of all the logistical planning and route navigation and filled the walks with their knowledge of local and natural history. Unforgettable memories and new friendships were forged! Thirty-three individuals took part, with nine completing the entire 100-mile route. Reflecting on the experience, one participant shared, “I really enjoyed this series. I have nothing but praise for the excellent experience I’d do another Gillian’s walks trail series again in a heartbeat. That Year flew by and I’m very sad it’s done.” Another expressed, “I’m so glad that I decided to go along. I have made lifelong memories.”
The culmination of this adventure was marked by a generous donation of £770 to the Ayrshire Coastal Path Management Board. Dr. Jimmy Begg, the Trail Manager, expressed his gratitude, stating, “The fact that the group have donated the magnificent sum of £770 to support the work of the Ayrshire Coastal Path volunteer teams, is a most welcome boost to our maintenance funds. The Board is very grateful to all those walkers who contributed to this Grand Total.”
This donation not only supports the commitment of the community to managing and maintaining the trail but also ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy its splendor. And the adventure doesn’t end there – Gillian’s Walks is gearing up to kick off the Ayrshire Coastal Path Discovery Series once again in June. So why not lace up your boots, grab your backpack, and join us as we explore this fantastic part of Scotland’s coast.
For more information on the upcoming Discovery Series and how you can get involved, visit Gillian’s Walks | Upcoming Events.
