Category: 9+ 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 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 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)

Walk 94 – Irvine Beach & Shewalton Woods – 9.3 miles

October 22, 2016

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

Walk 83 -Traverse of Whitelee Windfarm: Ardochrig to Visitor Centre – 15.3 miles

July 31, 2016

This route shows off the scale and diversity of Whitelee, the UK’s largest onshore windfarm. It crosses from one side of the site to the other, passing through it’s less visited areas, many of which are rich in forestry. You will stand on the highest point in East Renfrewshire (Corse Hill), visit a WWII hurricane crash site, pass an active quarry, and even visit a memorial enclosure! Keep a lookout for dragonflies, small birds, woodland mammals and birds of prey. … More Walk 83 -Traverse of Whitelee Windfarm: Ardochrig to Visitor Centre – 15.3 miles

Walk 82 – Goatfell, Isle of Arran – 10.9 miles

July 29, 2016

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

Walk 68 – Crinan Canal Walk, Argyll

June 18, 2016

A linear walk along “Britain’s most beautiful shortcut”: the Crinan Canal, Argyll.  Starting at the Crinan Basin, the walk takes you along a tarmac footpath/cycle track, making for very easy walking. Watch the Locks being opened and closed, wave to the people on-board the passing yachts, look out for wildlife including deer and many different species of bird. There are several options for extending the walk – see below.  … More Walk 68 – Crinan Canal Walk, Argyll

Walk 67 – The Three Lochs Way Part 2 (Garelochhead to Balloch) – 17.5 miles

June 12, 2016

Starting in the village of Garelochhead and ending at Balloch Train Station, this part of The Three Lochs Way is much flatter than the first half and definitely the easier of the two days. You will walk along minor roads, clay footpaths, through forests and woodlands and on an open hillside. You will also pass right through the pretty town of Helensburgh. Despite the walk’s name, you leave the lochs behind for much of the way, meeting back up with Loch Lomond in the final stages. … More Walk 67 – The Three Lochs Way Part 2 (Garelochhead to Balloch) – 17.5 miles