There are over 70 walking groups and walking clubs across Ayrshire!
On this page you’ll find a comprehensive list, designed to be used as a resource for finding something in your area which meets your needs. It also showcases the vast array of opportunities for walking with a group in the region, no matter your ability.
Health walks are accessible low-level walks led by trained volunteers. They are normally less than an hour long and a supportive way to increase your activity levels whilst meeting new, like-minded people. Some health walks are dementia-friendly or cancer-friendly and there are also a selection of buggy walks.
There are over 50 health walks taking place across Ayrshire in the following locations (in alphabetical order): Ardrossan, Auchinleck, Ayr, Brodick (Arran), Dalry, Dumfries House, Eglinton Park, Girvan, Glengarnock, Irvine, Kilbirnie, Kilmarnock, Kilwinning, Lamlash (Arran), Largs, New Cumnock, Prestwick, Stevenston, Three Towns, Troon, West Kilbride. Use Paths For All ‘s website to find out more about any of these walks.
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Based in North Ayrshire, members of this club enjoy full day and weekend hill walks and an affiliation to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland. The best way to find out more about this club and upcoming walks is to join their Facebook Group. Potential members are invited to join at least 3 day walks with the club before applying for a paid membership.
Based in Kilmarnock. Walks are every second Sunday and tend to be Munros and Corbetts with some local and lower level walks sometimes as well. Walk meets are organised on the Friday before the Sunday, taking the weather into account. The club operates on a car share basis and pay petrol money to the driver. Annual joining fee includes membership to Scottish Mountaineering. You can go along on a couple of walks free of charge before joining. For more info send a message via the Am Binnein ‘Members’ Facebook page or email Secretary Ann Nicoll at [email protected].
A walking club based in Ayr, which provides varied walks from short flat ones, right through to more ambitious hill and mountain walks, all led by experienced walk leaders. For more information visit their website.
Short walks for anyone with a disability. Every Monday at 11am, Ayr. Contact them via Facebook for more information.
Get fit with your dog! Cani-Hike is derived from the sport of canicross – a sled dog sport where you run as a team with your dog. Cani-Fit realised that not everybody can or wants to run and so we developed Cani-Hike, a power walking class. You are still attached to your dog with a belt and line and you both learn to work as a team, powering on together and working harder than on a normal walk! Our Cani-Hike classes are on regularly in Ayrshire and the surrounding areas. Most of our regular classes fit within the hour but we often arrange longer, more challenging routes called Cani-Hike Adventures that range further afield. Come learn new routes, socialise your dog with others, and learn the basics of Cani-Fit at a fast walking pace. Suited to those who for whatever reason cannot or do not want to run. To find out more visit the Cani-Fit website and look for events with “Cani-Hike” in the title.
Cunninghame Ramblers offer a varied programme of graded walks ranging from short flat local routes right up to munros. Usually you can attend some walks free of charge before deciding if you’d like to join. By joining The Ramblers you not only benefit from access to lots of group walks, you also support the work the charity does to protect our access rights and improve our walking infrastructure. To find out more visit their website.
Walks range from low level off piste walks to Munros and Grade 1 scrambles. A duty of care is provided on all walks by a fully qualified Mountain Leader/ First Aider, backed up with others with good mountain experience. No fees to join the group, or for any walks other than Group Outing. Group walks (normally 2 per month) and group outings (every second month) are planned and posted regularly on the members Facebook group.
This group is open to anyone in Ayrshire looking to join a supportive, non judgemental group and share your own fitness journey, whilst encouraging others on theirs. For more information visit the members Facebook group and go to the Events section. Members are encouraged to create events: anything from hill walking, running , cycling or going a walk.
Kilmarnock Ramblers offer a varied programme of graded walks ranging from short flat local routes right up to munros. Usually you can attend some walks free of charge before deciding if you’d like to join. By joining The Ramblers you not only benefit from access to lots of group walks, you also support the work the charity does to protect our access rights and improve our walking infrastructure. To find out more click the club name which will redirect you to their website.
Formerly known as Maybole and North Carrick OiR, MOFs is a community-based group bringing local people together in safe, friendly and supportive environments with a host of activities and events on offer. There are two walking groups: one which meets on Wednesday mornings at The Greenside at 9.15 am and another which meets on Wednesday mornings at Greenside at 10am. The 10am group is a shorter approx 2 miles walk and is open to anyone (ie non-members and under 50’s are more than welcome). Membership charges apply and you can attend a couple of walks free of charge before deciding if you’d like to join. Find out more on their website.
Walks on Tuesdays at 12 noon and Fridays at 10am. Meet at the Community Centre. Walks typically last 45 mins-60 mins. Find out more via their Facebook page.
For the retired and over 50s. Tuesday and Friday morning short walks (3-6 miles) in the local area. Tuesday hillwalking groups – Southern Uplands / Galloway / Lowther Hills / Arran. Monthly Saturday walking group with a mixture of local walks in Ayrshire and surrounding areas. Details of all groups on their website.
For the retired and over 50s. Wednesday mornings 3-10 miles “short walks” in Ayrshire and surrounding areas. Saturday hillwalking group – Ayrshire and further afield. A mix of hill walks and low level routes around 8-12 miles.
This is a subgroup of the Scottish Women’s Walking Group (SWWG) which is for members living in Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway. SWWG have no group leaders, they are simply women who like to walk and they meet up for walks on the same basis as meeting a group of friends. All members are invited to host a walk for the group. Some walks are dog-friendly. Membership is free and walks are free to attend. You can see what walks are coming up by joining their Facebook Group.
This walking group meets every Tuesday at the Odeon car park in Kilmarnock, 8:45 for 9 am. Full 6 month program available, 2 grades of walks most weeks. Contact [email protected] for further details.
A friendly and free group for all families of little ones under 5, as well as pregnant mums. Weekly family walk on Thursdays at 11am in Eglinton Park. Meet at horse statue at entrance to Visitor Centre. Find out more via their Facebook page.
Informal club based in South Ayrshire. Walks take place all over from Munros to a wee stroll. For more information send a join request to the Facebook Group where members post where/when they are going and others can join if they wish.
Leisurely weekly walk and talk lasting up to 1hr, aimed at those in their 20s-40s. Meet on Fridays at 10.15am at John Knox Church car park. No booking required, just turn up. Optional free cuppa at the end. More info on their website.
Group meets every Monday at 9.30am at The Corner, in Darvel. Walks are normally around 5-6 miles and there is usually a coffee or picnic stop along the way.
Organised by Dundonald Parish Church, this group meets every Thursday at 9.30am for a one hour walk followed by cake and a drink at Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre. The group is for women, some ladies bring children & babies too. For more information contact group leader Toni O Brien at [email protected]
Nordic Walking is a low-impact exercise that enhances the benefits of traditional walking by incorporating specially designed poles. This low-impact activity engages the entire body, improving balance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness.
Saturdays at 10.30am, Eglinton Country Park Kilwinning and Thursdays at 6.30pm, Lochshore Park Kilbirnie. Sessions last 1hr 30 mins. All equipment provided. For more information and to book a session visit Fiona’s page on the Nordic Walking UK website.
Friday’s at 10.30am, Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock. Sessions last 1hr 30 mins. All equipment provided. Fundamentals of Nordic Walking Technique sessions also available, an in-depth 2hr training session aimed at complete beginners. For more information and to book visit the Gillian’s Walks Eventbrite page.
Friday’s at 9.30am, Ayr Beach. Sessions last 1 hour. All equipment provided. For more information and to book contact Karen Murrie on [email protected] or by phone on 07508435594 or send a message on her Facebook page.
Mondays at 11am in various Locations on the Isle of Arran and Mondays at 1pm starting at Auchenharvie Leisure Centre, Stevenston. All equipment provided. Contact [email protected] or 01294 270796
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 12pm starting at the Trinity Active Travel Hub, Irvine. Sessions last 45 mins. All equipment provided. Contact [email protected] or 01294 204800.
Walk with a group which isn’t listed? Don’t be offended: I probably just don’t know about you. Get in touch and I’ll add you on. Likewise, if you notice any of the information on this page is incorrect, for example a group has ceased to run, please let me know: [email protected]
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