Category: South Ayrshire

Walks in South Ayrshire. This region enjoys an extensive coastline, with some stunning rugged sections. Inland there is an abundance of rural towns and villages with fantastic path networks such as around Straiton, Barr, Dailly and the Stinchar Valley. The region includes the towns of Ayr and Girvan, and the village of Alloway (birthplace of Robert Burns). One half of the River Ayr Way (one of Scotland’s Great Trails) also passes through South Ayrshire, between Ayr and Failford. There are many Scottish castles in the region, including the iconic Culzean Castle & Country Park, Dundonald Caslte and the ruins of Dunure and Greenan castles. Not forgetting the famous golf courses at Turnberry, Prestwick and Royal Troon, to name a few.

Walk 146 – Hill Wood Walk, Straiton – 4-6 miles

October 5, 2017

This is a circular walk beginning in the quaint rural Ayrshire village of Straiton. Initially the route heads uphill to follow rough and sometimes overgrown, boggy tracks through an area of forestry. Enjoy fine views down into the village and the Galloway hills beyond. The return leg of the walk loops back into Straiton on a variety of terrain including farm tracks, grassy fields and surfaced roads. … More Walk 146 – Hill Wood Walk, Straiton – 4-6 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)

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

A walk of mixed emotions! Peaceful beaches combined with the terrifying whizz of lorries on a busy trunk road. The route follows the sand, shingle and pebble beach from Ballantrae harbour along to Bannane Hill at which point it heads in-land to follow the A77 down to Lendalfoot. … More Walk 122 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ballantrae to Lendalfoot (5.6 miles)

Walk 109 – Burns’ Trail, Alloway – 3.8 miles

January 22, 2017

Scotland’s famous bard, Rabbie Burns, was born in Alloway in 1759. Explore his birthplace on this circular walk which takes you to several points of interest as well as through some of the local woodland and country parks. Terrain is a mixture of tarmac footpaths and pavements, earth tracks and a few sets of steps. Allow 2 hours with extra time if you plan to visit the museum. … More Walk 109 – Burns’ Trail, Alloway – 3.8 miles

"Smugglers Trail" marker post, pointing down a farm track.

Walk 86 – Ayrshire Smugglers Trail: Dundonald to Troon – 6.3 miles

August 31, 2016

Starting at Dundonald Castle, follow this ancient route used in the 18th century to transport tea, wine, brandy, rum and tobacco inland from the cargo boats arriving in Troon! It covers an extremely varied terrain with everything from woodland paths to tarmac roads to long grass and then sand thrown in the mix! You will pass a quiet reservoir, walk through Fullarton Woods then across Royal Troon Golf Course, finishing it off with a stroll along Troon’s sandy Beach. The views across to Isle of Arran are not to be missed so be sure to keep this one for a clear day! … More Walk 86 – Ayrshire Smugglers Trail: Dundonald to Troon – 6.3 miles

Walk 70 – Port Schuchan, Dunure – 1.2 miles

June 20, 2016

This is a stunning short walk, taking you to a lesser known part of Dunure, Ayrshire. A (sometimes overgrown) grassy footpath leads down to an area known as Port Schuchan (pronounced ‘Shuggan’). Rugged coastal beauty awaits all around. Take time on the return leg of the walk to try the labyrinth and take a step back in time exploring the ruins of the 13th century Dunure Castle. … More Walk 70 – Port Schuchan, Dunure – 1.2 miles

Walk 60 – Dundonald to Loans Circular via Smuggler’s Trail – 5.6 miles

May 26, 2016

This loop takes you through woodlands beneath Dundonald Castle and follows part of the Smuggler’s Trail to reach the village of Loans. It then loops back to the start via the scenic Old Loans Road. This is quite a ‘hilly’ walk but the uphill sections are well worth it for the stunning panoramic views across to the Isle of Arran! … More Walk 60 – Dundonald to Loans Circular via Smuggler’s Trail – 5.6 miles