Ayrshire Coastal Path
One of Scotland’s Great Trails, the Ayrshire Coastal Path runs 100 miles between Glenapp in the South and Skelmorlie in the North. It is a perfect mix of inland and on-beach sections which keeps things varied and interesting. With either Ailsa Craig or Isle of Arran as your companion for the vast majority of the way, there is always some stunning scenery to gaze out at (if you get the weather!) From golden sandy beaches to rugged rocky shorelines, Ayrshire has it all!
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Activity: Walking
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Distance: 263.01 km
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Calculated time: 12 days
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Return to departure point: No
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Vertical gain: + 1,163 m
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Vertical drop: - 1,220 m
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Highest point: 197 m
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Lowest point: 0 m
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District: South Ayrshire
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Start: N 55.028792° / W 5.014834°
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End: N 55.099553° / W 5.007154°
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Step by step walk
This walk needs several days, find the details below:
Useful Information
For more information and a walk report visit Gillian's Walks.
The Ayrshire Coastal Path was created by the Rotary Club of Ayr, and has always been managed and maintained exclusively by volunteers. They work tirelessly to ensure that the trail is well maintained for the enjoyment of thousands of locals and visitors alike. Please show your support by purchasing a copy of the official Ayrshire Coastal Path Guide Book which contains up-to-date route information as well as a wealth of information on the history and geography of the area.
Terrain
A mixture of beach promenades, old coach roads, cliff-top paths and various on-beach surfaces including sand, pebbles and rocks.
Tides
There are some short coastal sections which become impassable at high tide. It is therefore important to check tide times before setting off. See individual route sections for more info.
You may also wish to visit the official Ayrshire Coastal Path website
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
- Superb coastal scenery: views to Ailsa Craig and the Clyde islands including the Isle of Arran and Isle of Cumbrae
- Old fishing harbours
- Smuggler's caves
- Open Championship golf courses
- Castles
- Nature Reserves
- Yacht marinas
- Coastal birdlife and diverse flora
- Coastal geology
- Ancient woodland
- Fragile dune and heathland ecology
- Seals
- Basking sharks
- Roe deer
- Otters
Other walks in the area
Glenapp to Ballantrae (inland route)
Departure from South Ayrshire
Entirely inland, this route is very peaceful and offers easy walking. Initially across hilly moorland the path then winds its way down to the village of Ballantrae following farm tracks and quiet country roads. The views on a clear day are simply stunning.
Ballantrae to Lendalfoot
Departure from South Ayrshire
This route follows the sand, shingle and pebble beach from Ballantrae harbour along to Bennane Hill at which point it heads inland to follow the A77 down to Lendalfoot.
Lendalfoot to Girvan
Departure from South Ayrshire
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 beach at Kennedy’s Pass as you approach Girvan.
Girvan to Barr
Departure from South Ayrshire
This walk is a one-way from Girvan to Barr via Assell Valley Wind Farm and Auchensoul Hill.
Girvan to Maidens
Departure from South Ayrshire
This is a well way-marked route, 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 across the middle of Trump Turnberry Golf Course!
For more walks, use our search engine.
The GPS track and description are the property of the author.