Ayrshire Coastal Path Discovery Series

Join Gillian’s Walks on a series of guided walks along this magnificent trail

The Ayrshire Coastal Path is a stunning long-distance walking route in South West Scotland. Designated as one of Scotland’s Great Trails and part of the International Appalachian Trail, the 106 mile route travels the length of the Ayrshire coastline from Glenapp to Skelmorlie. It offers the perfect combination of rugged rocky shoreline, cliff-top paths, sandy beaches and esplanades. This is your opportunity to experience the trail the hassle-free way: on a series of carefully planned full-day guided walks, on which all logistics are taken care of for you, allowing you to just turn up, relax and enjoy.

Walking the Ayrshire Coastal Path is a bucket-list journey for so many people — and yet it so often stays there. From January to May 2026, you have the chance to join the Northern Half Discovery Package, covering the final six stages from Ayr to Skelmorlie, as part of a fully supported, professionally guided experience. This is the natural continuation of an ongoing journey and places are limited. Everything that usually puts people off is taken care of — planning, navigation, logistics and walking alone. You simply turn up, walk, and enjoy the coastline in great company, with local knowledge and stories brought to life along the way. The package includes six guided walks for £168, and you can even choose to pay in 3 instalments with PayPal.

Many thanks for providing this absolutely fantastic service Gillian. The Ayrshire Coastal Path was on my bucket list for a long time but I don't know if I would ever have actually done it due to worrying about all the logistical unknowns. You take all those worries and concerns away and look after us all so well. Not only that, we get to meet so many different people and have some great conversations along the way.

Mary Cochrane

Previous Attendee

Just completed a section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path on a guided walk with Gillian’s Walks. A wonderful experience with stunning scenery. The whole day was arranged expertly making the experience enjoyable. Plenty of information about the local area, wildlife, and habitation. Fantastic day, I really enjoyed the challenge and the company. Thank you Gillian for organising this walk, the experience was amazing.

Kevin Fewkes

Previous Attendee

Dates

Sunday 4th January 2026 | Ayr to Troon | 11:15am-4pm

Sunday 18th January 2026 | Troon to Irvine | 10.30am-3pm

Sunday 15th February 2026 | Irvine to Ardrossan | 10.15am-3.30pm

Sunday 22nd March 2026 | Ardrossan to Portencross | 10.30am-3pm

Sunday 19th April 2026 | Portencross to Largs | 10am-3.30pm

Sunday 17th May 2026 | Largs to Skelmorlie | 9.30am-4pm

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FAQ

How fit do I need to be?

Distance, difficulty ratings & route info for each section are described below: some sections are more challenging than others due to the terrain and/or distance. We will be walking at a gentle pace with plenty of stops to chat about points of interest, so as long as you can manage the advertised distance (between 7-10 miles depending on the section) we’d love to have you along. If in any doubt please contact us for more details.

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 Facebook 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.

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?

Precise meeting points and times will be communicated to those who have bookings approx 1 week prior to the date of each walk. Normally walks will start in the morning, between 10am and 11.30am and will last approx 5-6 hours.

What kit do I need?

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.

Highlights, Distance, Difficulty Ratings

Testimonials from previous attendees

"Having a guide was beneficial as it installed confidence in me and always felt I was in safe hands should anything untoward happen"

"Loved all the interesting snippets of information. At first I used to read the guide book before each section but soon I preferred to anticipate what I'd learn on the day instead, I began looking forward to having our knowledgeable walk leaders drop in nuggets of relevant and random information as we came across sights and point on the path."

"The organisation was all done for me so I didn't have to worry or think at all. It was lovely relaxing and enjoying the time not being concerned about tides or trains."

"I really enjoyed the company and chat of all the other walkers and have made good friends with others in the group and hopefully will continue that friendship."

"I really enjoyed this series. I have nothing but praise for the excellent experience I'd do another Gillian's walks trail series again in a heartbeat."