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Stretching the length of Ayrshire’s ever‑changing coastline, the Ayrshire Coastal Path (ACP) is one of Scotland’s most rewarding long‑distance walking trails. From dramatic cliffs and quiet coves to sandy beaches, harbours and seaside towns, it offers a front‑row seat to the very best of the west coast.
If you love coastal walking, this is a must‑do trail. And there is no better way to experience it than with an experienced local guide and a like‑minded group.
The Ayrshire Coastal Path Discovery Series is a professionally guided, start‑to‑finish journey along the entire ACP, broken into 12 carefully planned Sunday walks between April and October – finishing before the clocks go back and winter weather sets in.
This is our fourth time running the full series, and year after year the positive feedback we’ve received has been unreal. Many participants describe it as one of the best things they have ever done!
Yes, you can walk the Ayrshire Coastal Path independently for free. But what you get with the Discovery Series is something very different:
A professional, qualified guide – with all planning, navigation and logistics taken care of
Zero hassle – no route research, tide planning, or worrying if you’re going the right way
Local knowledge throughout – stories, history, wildlife, coastal features and hidden details you’d never notice alone
Insider expertise – your guide, Gillian, is also the Assistant Trail Manager of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, bringing a unique depth of insight into the trail and its development
A shared experience – walk with up to 20 others, many of whom will become familiar faces and good friends if you are walking the whole route
A sense of achievement – complete the full route and celebrate properly with an official personalised completion certificate presented to you by the Guide on your final walk!
This isn’t just a collection of walks. It’s a complete, supported coastal journey.
All walks take place on Sundays, between April and October – spring and summer walking at its best.
1. Glenapp → Ballantrae
Sunday 12 April | 11:00am–6:00pm
2. Ballantrae → Lendalfoot
Sunday 10 May | 11:30am–4:00pm
3. Lendalfoot → Girvan
Sunday 24 May | 11:00am–4:00pm
4. Girvan → Maidens
Sunday 7 June | 11:00am–5:00pm
5. Maidens → Dunure
Sunday 21 June | 9:30am–2:30pm
6. Dunure → Ayr
Sunday 12 July | 12:45pm–5:45pm
7. Ayr → Troon
Sunday 26 July | 12:00pm–5:00pm
8. Troon → Irvine
Sunday 9 August | 10:00am–3:00pm
9. Irvine → Ardrossan
Sunday 23 August | 9:45am–3:30pm
10. Ardrossan → Portencross
Sunday 6 September | 10:30am–3:00pm
11. Portencross → Largs
Sunday 20 September | 10:00am–3:30pm
12. Largs → Skelmorlie
Sunday 4 October | (time TBC)
Do I have to arrange my own transport back to the start point?
Most people book onto the walks as individuals and don’t have the luxury of leaving a car at each end, so don’t worry if you are in the same situation. If you have access to a car then for most sections we advise leaving it at the end point and using public transport to get to the start (full details will be provided by us ahead of each walk and walk start times will be arranged around public transport timetables). For sections 10 and 11 there aren’t any simple public transport options so we coordinate a car share programme for those and rely on attendees to take part to make that work. We also have a private WhatsApp group for attendees which can be used to arrange lifts with each other if travelling from the same area. Please note that transport costs are not included in the ticket price.
I don’t drive/don’t have a car – can I still take part?
Yes, depending on where you live. Previous participants living in Prestwick/Ayr without cars have successfully completed the entire series using public transport. Please get in touch prior to booking to check on your individual circumstances.
What if I book the whole series but can’t make one of the walks?
To receive your completion certificate, you’ll need to complete all sections before the final walk. If you miss a guided walk, you can:
Join me on my recce walk if dates align (often about a week before, sometimes mid‑week)
Walk the section at another time on your own, or with friends/family or others from the group. I’ll provide route information, a digital map and plenty of fun facts so you don’t miss out.
Can I bring my dog?
This walk series is unsuitable for dogs for the comfort of the group and because there is a possibility of livestock on many of the walks.
Can I bring my child / children?
We have rated this walk series as suited to age 16+. This is mainly because we are out for 5-6 hours, sometimes in inclement weather.
How do I find out the walk start time and meeting place?
Full details for each walk, including exact meeting points and timings, are emailed in advance and shared in the group WhatsApp chat.
What kit do I need?
Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good grips | drinking water | snacks | packed lunch | waterproof jacket and trousers | hat | gloves. Optional: walking poles
Are there plenty of toilets along the route?
Some locations have public toilets, others we time carefully for nearby cafés or other appropriate stops. The Ayrshire Coastal Path is fairly well served in terms of loos, however sometimes you will need to be able to wait several hours. If you really need to go, there will usually always be fresh air options available… My pre-walk logistics email always includes info on toilet options.
What is your cancellation policy?
Full terms and conditions including cancellation policy can be found here: Gillian’s Walks | Terms & Conditions.
If the Ayrshire Coastal Path has been sitting on your bucket list, this is your opportunity to experience it fully – supported, guided, and shared with a brilliant group of people.
👉 Book your place below and secure your spot on our fourth annual Ayrshire Coastal Path Discovery Series! There are only 20 places available, and once they’re gone they’re gone! Don’t forget there is an option to pay in 3 instalments using PayPal.
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