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. 

What's Included?

  • Walks take place on Sundays, approximately once a month for 12 months. See below for full list of dates.
  • No need to worry about planning travel logistics, checking tide times or navigating, we’ll do all of that for you.
  • Learn about our coastal history and wildlife with our “fun facts” designed to enhance your experience.
  • Meet new, like-minded people, some of whom you will likely become good friends with over the course of the year!
  • Everyone who completes the whole Discovery Series of 12 walks receives a free personalised Completion Certificate.
  • Benefit from insider knowledge of the Ayrshire Coastal Path management and maintenance team – Gillian is the Assistant Trail Manager, and some of the volunteer Path Wardens will be joining our walks.
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

2025/26 Discovery Series

Dates

  1. Sunday 8th June 2025 | Glenapp to Ballantrae | 11.30am – 6pm
  2. Sunday 6th July 2025 | Ballantrae to Lendalfoot  11.30am – 4.30pm
  3. Sunday 3rd August 2025 | Lendalfoot to Girvan | 11.15am – 4pm
  4. Sunday 31st August 2025 | Girvan to Maidens | 11am-5pm
  5. Sunday 14th September 2025 | Maidens to Dunure | times TBC depending on tides
  6. Sunday 2nd November 2025 | Dunure to Ayr | times TBC depending on tides
  7. Sunday 14th December 2025 | Ayr to Troon | 10.30am – 3.30pm
  8. Sunday 18th January 2026 | Troon to Irvine | 10.30am – 3pm
  9. Sunday 15th February 2026 | Irvine to Ardrossan | 10.15am – 3.30pm
  10. Sunday 22nd March 2026 | Ardrossan to Portencross | 10.30am – 3pm
  11. Sunday 19th April 2026 | Portencross to Largs | 10am – 3.30pm
  12. Sunday 17th May 2026 | Largs to Skelmorlie | 9.30am – 4pm

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 5-10 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 5, 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?
Comfortable walking boots with good grips and ankle support | drinking water | snacks | packed lunch | waterproof jacket and trousers | hat | gloves | sunscreen. 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.
 
 

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."