Category: Ayrshire Coastal Path

The Ayrshire Coastal Path runs 106 miles from Glenapp to Skelmorlie along one of the finest panoramic coastlines in the British Isles. One of Scotland’s Great Trails, the Ayrshire Coastal Path is crowned with the superb backdrop of the ever-changing profile of the mountains on the Isle of Arran. Approximately half of the trail is located within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. In this post you can read about my experience of hiking the entire Ayrshire Coastal Path over 4 days for charity. It is traditionally walked in 12 shorter sections and below you will find information on each of those, as well as some circular walk suggestions.

Walk 226 – Ayrshire Coastal Path – Glenapp to Ballantrae via clifftops (9.5 miles)

April 14, 2023

A spectacular way to begin the Ayrshire Coastal Path! Head uphill from Glenapp enjoying the views across Loch Ryan, north to Ailsa Craig and on a clear day as far as Northern Ireland. Count how many pheasants you see! You’ll then head down to remote Currarie Port where you have the chance to spot some seals, before embarking on an incredible high level cliff-top hike. This section of coastline is home to a wide variety of bird life and depending when you visit you might spot eagles, cormorants, yellow wagtails, gannets, oystercatchers and more. Don’t forget binoculars and a camera! … More Walk 226 – Ayrshire Coastal Path – Glenapp to Ballantrae via clifftops (9.5 miles)

Walk 160 – Knock Hill Circular, Largs – 8 miles

January 2, 2018

By joining two parts of the Ayrshire Coastal Path together, you can enjoy this circular route from Largs to the top of Knock Hill (268m / 879 ft) and back again. An easy first stage along Largs promenade soon gives way to farm tracks and boggy hillside paths before a steep ascent to the summit trig point. Enjoy panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde to the Cowal Peninsula, southern Highlands, Isle of Cumbrae and Arran, as well as down into the town of Largs itself. The descent takes you West across farmland and through pleasant woodland then along a minor road behind Knock Castle.  … More Walk 160 – Knock Hill Circular, Largs – 8 miles

Walk 129 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ardrossan to Portencross (6.5 miles)

April 23, 2017

Plenty of beach-walking on this one, with options to use earth footpaths instead should you wish. I would say this is one of the sections of the Ayrshire Coastal Path where you are most likely to bump into other walkers along the way!  Being so close to the Isle of Arran, you have the potential for some incredible views across the Firth of Clyde. … More Walk 129 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ardrossan to Portencross (6.5 miles)

Walk 130 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Portencross to Largs (7 miles)

April 23, 2017

Portencross: Arguably one of the best places from which to view the Isle of Arran! The Isle of Cumbrae quickly takes it’s place as you progress towards Largs via the industrial grounds of Hunterston and the pretty town of Fairlie. Much of this walk is along cycle tracks, pavements and minor roads.  … More Walk 130 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Portencross to Largs (7 miles)

Walk 131 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Largs to Skelmorlie via Knock Hill (10.5 miles)

April 23, 2017

Beginning at Largs Marina this route takes you the length of the promenade before heading inland and uphill across boggy ground towards Knock Hill. From the trig point on a clear day your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful views across the Firth of Clyde towards the isles of Cumbrae, Bute and Arran, as well as the Argyll hills and Cowal Peninsular. Descending towards Skelmorlie Castle and Wemyss Bay, with one very short exception the remainder of the walk is along quiet minor roads and pavements.  … More Walk 131 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Largs to Skelmorlie via Knock Hill (10.5 miles)

Looking across the Pow Burn towards the Firth of Clyde

Walk 126 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ayr – Prestwick – Troon (9.6 miles)

April 15, 2017

An easy walk starting at Seafield in Ayr and passing through Prestwick en route to Troon Marina. After the initial section through Ayr’s industrial backroads, you can enjoy sandy beaches and concrete promenades for the remainder of the route. Finish with the excitement of Troon’s cliff walk, or use the Ballast Bank if you feel safer ;-) … More Walk 126 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ayr – Prestwick – Troon (9.6 miles)

Walk 127 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Troon – Barassie – Irvine (6.5 miles)

April 15, 2017

This section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path begins at Troon Marina and ends at Low Green in Irvine. It is basically a long stretch of golden beach sandwiched between two busy coastal towns. Enjoy having a nosey at the shorefront houses in Barassie as you pass, and look out for the stone dragon atop the sand dunes of Irvine Beach! On a clear day the Isle of Arran can be seen across the Firth of Clyde.  … More Walk 127 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Troon – Barassie – Irvine (6.5 miles)

Walk 128 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Irvine – Stevenston – Saltcoats – Ardrossan (9.3 miles)

April 15, 2017

Beginning with an easy inland section along the NCN7 cycle track between Irvine and Stevenson, this walk then returns to the coast for the second half. Expect beautiful sandy beaches, wide concrete promenades and pavements. On the coastal section the Isle of Arran will accompany you to the west on a clear day! When passing, delve into local history by taking some time to read the plaques along the walls of the former Ardrossan Boating Ponds.  … More Walk 128 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Irvine – Stevenston – Saltcoats – Ardrossan (9.3 miles)

blue sky with the white Turnberry lighthouse perched on a grassy mound and the firth of clyde in the background

Walk 124 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Girvan -Turnberry – Maidens (10 miles)

April 10, 2017

This section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path involves a mixture of easy terrain including farm tracks, sand or shingle beaches, pavements and (in times of high tide) two field crossings.  It is very well way-marked, entirely low-level and passes some of the most iconic sights in the area, including Ailsa Craig and Turnberry Lighthouse. Golf fans will love walking right through the middle of Trump Turnberry Golf Course!  … More Walk 124 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Girvan -Turnberry – Maidens (10 miles)

Walk 125 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Maidens – Culzean – Dunure (7 miles)

April 10, 2017

This is an easy walk between the harbours of Maidens and Dunure. Terrain includes firm sandy beaches, woodland earth paths and grassy farm tracks. Enjoy the clifftop views of the more rugged sections of coastline around Culzean Castle & Country Park and the fields just south of Dunure. You will even pass directly in front of the incredible 18th century Culzean Castle, as well as the remains of Dunure Castle – which dates back as far as the 1200s!  … More Walk 125 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Maidens – Culzean – Dunure (7 miles)

Walk 121 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Glenapp to Ballantrae (9.3 miles)

April 8, 2017

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. … More Walk 121 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Glenapp to Ballantrae (9.3 miles)

high level gravel track on a hillside showing panoramic sea views to the left

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

April 8, 2017

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

Walk 122 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ballantrae to Lendalfoot (5.6 miles)

April 8, 2017

This second stage of the Ayrshire Coastal Path follows the sand, shingle and pebble beach from picturesque Ballantrae harbour along to Bennane Hill where you might choose to take a short de-tour to visit Snib’s cave. From here the official route heads slightly inland to follow the A77 down towards Lendalfoot. On a clear day you’ll enjoy fine high-level views from here out to Ailsa Craig and north along the Ayrshire coastline. This route is best experienced at low tide, when you can finish up with an enjoyable walk along Lendalfoot’s sandy beach to finish at the Varyag Memorial. … More Walk 122 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ballantrae to Lendalfoot (5.6 miles)