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.
Starting at the ferry slip on the Isle of Cumbrae, you will head uphill to the Glaid Stone, the island’s highest point, before descending into Millport. Return via the quiet Ferry Road. You will pass several small lochs, a mineral well and the Cathedral of the Isles (Britain’s smallest cathedral). Not forgetting the famous Crocodile Rock. … More Walk 100 -Millport Inner Circuit, Isle of Cumbrae – 7 miles
Starting with a walk along Irvine’s sandy beach all the way to Barassie, you will then return by following the National Cycle Network track. Experience the industrial side of Irvine, as well as some scenic woodland areas, a wildlife reserve and the town’s popular white sandy beach. Enjoy the breathtaking views out across the Firth of Clyde at both the start and end of the walk! … More Walk 94 – Irvine Beach & Shewalton Woods – 9.3 miles
A pleasant woodland walk taking in some of the highlights of Eglinton Country Park before looping around Eglinton Loch and returning to the start via a track along the outer perimeter of the park. … More Walk 93 – Eglinton Countryside Walk – 2.7 miles
Eglinton really is a unique Country Park in Ayrshire – unlike any other I have visited. It is spread over a vast area and has so many quirky parts, full of surprises. This short route is ideal with the kids and takes in the all-abilities play park, courtyard and cafe, headless statue (!), castle ruins and Eglinton Loch. Take a picnic on a nice day! … More Walk 85 – Eglinton Country Park, Kilwinning – 1.6 miles
This route takes you from the ferry terminal in Brodick to the summit of Goatfell (874 m / 2866 ft) following the ‘tourist route’, returning with a de-tour through Conocan Wood and past Brodick Castle, a National Trust for Scotland property. Goatfell is the highest peak on the Isle of Arran and from the top on a clear day you will be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views across the island’s array of dramatic granite ridges. … More Walk 82 – Goatfell, Isle of Arran – 10.9 miles
This 7 mile route starts in Milgarholm Park, Irvine and ends on Munro Avenue, Kilmarnock. Since it is a cycle track is is great for buggies. Note the one-way nature of this route meaning transport back to the start will be required if you don’t wish to walk double :-) … More Walk 76 – Irvine to Kilmarnock via Cycle Track – 7 miles
A short walk along the sandy Irvine Beach and up through it’s sand dunes takes you into Irvine Beach Park, complete with large pond, picnic area and crazy golf. Go on a warm summer’s evening to feel the sand between your toes and benefit from the spectacular view of the sun setting behind the Isle of Arran! … More Walk 62 – Irvine Beach Park – 1.4 miles
A great short walk to do with the kids to visit the stone dragon at Irvine Beach Park. It can be found perched high on the sand dunes overlooking the sea, and is said to be guarding the coastline from future Viking invasions :-) The view from the top of the hill is one of my favourites in Ayrshire! Take a picnic if the weather permits. … More Walk 61 – Irvine’s Stone Dragon – 0.5 miles
A tranquil area of Irvine you may not have visited before! Lovely for summer picnics or a short evening stroll. Takes in both Annick Water and River Irvine, as well as 2 ponds. … More Walk 43 – Tarryholme Pond, Irvine – 1.7 miles
A beautiful hike from Brodick which follows the Glenrosa Water deep into the tranquillity of the Glen to ‘The Saddle’ before returning via the same route. The track up Glen Rosa is very well maintained and well-trodden, starting off wide and dry and becoming narrower and boggier the further into the glen you go. … More Walk 35 – Glen Rosa, Isle of Arran – 11 miles
An easy walk along quiet country roads behind Kilmaurs. You will pass the Annick Water, walk alongside the Glazert Burn, and cross the local beauty spot known as the Watermeetings: the point at which the two water courses meet. There are several lovely cottages (and mansions!) to admire, including those around the Chapeltoun Estate area. The route crosses the East Ayrshire / North Ayrshire boundary 4 times! … More Walk 13 – Watermeetings, Kilmaurs – 7 miles
Sandy Irvine Beach is wild, beautiful and seems to go on and on forever! In fact it stretches 3 miles along to Barassie therefore this walk can be up to 6 miles in length should you complete the entire return route. Lined with high sand dunes and the Isle of Arran visible to the west, the beach here is popular with locals out for some fresh air and exercise. … More Walk 5 – Irvine Beach, Ayrshire
Gillian's Walks 