Category: Ayrshire Coastal Path

The Ayrshire Coastal Path runs 100 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. The southern end of the Path connects to the Mull of Galloway Trail and the northern end connects to the Clyde Coastal Path. In this category you can read about my experience of hiking the full 100 miles over 4 days as well as find information on shorter route options and circular walks in the area.

Walk 164 – Brown Carrick Hill & The Ayrshire Coast – 8.2 miles

January 17, 2018

A combination of lowland hills and rocky coastlines: perfection in a walk! Starting in the picture-perfect fishing village of Dunure you will wind your way up into the Carrick Hills before descending to sea level to return to the beginning via one of the most stunning and rugged sections of the Ayrshire Coastal Path. On a clear day you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the summit of Brown Carrick Hill (287 m / 941 ft): the best vantage point in the area!  … More Walk 164 – Brown Carrick Hill & The Ayrshire Coast – 8.2 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 Wemyss Bay 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 Wemyss Bay via Knock Hill (10.5 miles)

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)