Walks in North Ayrshire. This region enjoys an extensive coastline on the Firth of Clyde (you must visit the resident stone dragon!) as well as the islands of Arran and Cumbrae. Eglinton Country Park is also a popular place for walking in the area.
A circular countryside walk starting at the beach north of Ardrossan and then heading up onto the Ardrossan High Road towards West Kilbride. The return section takes you across pleasant farmland. On a clear day you will be rewarded with stunning views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran. … More Walk 224 – Ardrossan High Road – 6.5 miles
An easy, short circular walk at Irvine Beach, located less than an hour from Glasgow. The route takes advantage of the sheltered trails behind the sand dunes, which you might find lined with summer roses or purple heather depending on the season. I recommend paying a visit to the dragon viewpoint along the way for a stunning panorama of the Ayrshire coastline and Isle of Arran! Return via the golden sands of Irvine Beach, popular with horse riders. Go at dawn or dusk to enjoy a spectacular sunset and hundreds of rabbits in the Beach Park! … More Walk 223 – Irvine Dunes Circular – 2.7 miles
On a clear day the views from this route are simply outstanding: the islands of Cumbrae & Arran and the pink sandy beaches at Fairlie and Hunterston. A variety of woodland paths, tracks and grassy hillsides lead you gently uphill past the remains of Fairlie Castle and along the base of Black Hill. The return section follows the Fairlie Moor Road and then the Ayrshire Coastal Path. There is the opportunity to visit some fantastic hidden waterfalls along the route if you don’t mind some slightly rougher terrain for a few minutes! … More Walk 191 – Fairlie Glens and Waterfalls Circular – 4.3 miles
This short circular walk around the Caaf Water is packed with unexpected ‘fairy’ surprises hidden within a tranquil wooded glen. The gorge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the unique and interesting rocks it contains. Perfect for families and for anyone who likes waterfalls! The paths can be muddy at times and there are several sets of stairs. … More Walk 190 – Lynn Glen, Dalry – 1.3 miles
A short but extremely sweet walk along the pristine sandy beach at Stevenston, returning to the start via the sand dunes footpath. Teeming with wildlife in the summer, look out for several species of butterflies and wildflowers along the way. … More Walk 176 – Stevenston Beach Circular – 1 mile
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
An entirely flat 12 mile circular route makes for easy walking and feels surprisingly rural, often accompanied by either the Lugton Water, Annick Water or the River Irvine. The New Town Trail was developed by North Ayrshire Council to link Irvine town centre, outlying residential areas, Kilwinning and Eglinton Country Park giving local people and visitors an alternative to travelling by car. Sights to look forward to include Eglinton Castle, the Cairnmount Hill standing stones, Sourlie Woods and Garnock Floods Wildlife Reserves, Robert Burns statue, plenty of bridges, and if you do it in summer, apple trees and wild flowers galore! … More Walk 149 – Irvine & Kilwinning New Town Trail – 12 miles
A summary of my experience walking the 100 mile Ayrshire Coastal Path. Comes complete with 12 downloadable ViewRanger routes, concise route descriptions, photos and my own personal experience of the trail. … More Walk Review: The Ayrshire Coastal Path
A circular walk starting and ending at Brodick ferry terminal. After a short stretch on quiet minor roads, follow the Arran Coastal Way around Clauchlands Point to Lamlash. Keep a look out for seals! From here a short steep ascent takes you onto a wide forestry track and back to Brodick via Glen Cloy. … More Walk 141 – Brodick to Lamlash via Clauchlands Point (Isle of Arran) – 12 miles
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
At only a half mile each way, this super short walk from Fairlie Train Station takes you uphill through local woodland to an impressive waterfall on Southannan Burn. Go after (or during!) heavy rainfall to see it at it’s best. … More Walk 113 – Southannan Waterfall, Fairlie – 1 mile
Gillian's Walks 