River Ayr Way - whole route

The fully way-marked Blue Bonnet Trails follow the journey taken from Ayr Town Centre to Alloway by Tam o’ Shanter as recounted in one of the most famous poems ever written by Robert Burns. The route described below combines the 2 Blue Bonnet Trails and forms a loop. The walk passes many points of interest along the way including Burns Cottage and Alloway's famous Auld Kirk and it also passes through both Belleisle and Rozelle Parks.

An easy walk starting at Seafield in Ayr and passing through Prestwick en route to Troon Marina. After the initial section through Ayr’s industrial backroads, you can enjoy sandy beaches and concrete promenades for the remainder of the route. Finish with the excitement of Troon’s cliff walk along the Ballast Bank.Walk can be shortened and there is a circular option - see gillianswalks.com for more info

This route follows the Ayrshire Coastal Path between Prestwick and Troon, running alongside both Prestwick and Royal Troon Golf courses. The return leg forms a semi-loop by joining the NCN7 cycle track and then the Smuggler’s Trail across Royal Troon Golf Course. Enjoy the stunning views out across the Firth of Clyde!

This section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path is basically a long stretch of golden beach sandwiched between two busy coastal towns. Enjoy having a nosey at the shorefront houses in Barassie as you pass, and look out for the stone dragon atop the sand dunes of Irvine Beach! On a clear day the Isle of Arran can be seen across the Firth of Clyde.

You will begin by walking along a stone footpath built into the side of the Ballast Bank, followed by a stroll along the promenade towards Troon South Beach where there is an excellent play park for the kids to enjoy. On the return, try the path across the top of the Ballast Bank instead – you will be treated to spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde on a clear day.

This is an incredible walk along one of the most rugged sections of the Ayrshire Coast. You will experience varied terrain including beaches, rocky outcrops, grassy farmland and a disused railway. Prepare yourself for stunning views and a unique sense of remoteness.

A combination of lowland hills and rocky coastlines: perfection in a walk! Starting in the picture-perfect fishing village of Dunure you will wind your way up into the Carrick Hills before descending to sea level to return to the beginning via one of the most stunning and rugged sections of the Ayrshire Coastal Path. On a clear day you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the summit of Brown Carrick Hill (287 m / 941 ft): the best vantage point in the area!

Follow this ancient route between Dundonald and Troon, used in the 18th century to smuggle illegal goods inland! It covers a varied terrain including woodland paths, tarmac roads, grass and sand. You will pass a quiet reservoir, walk through Fullarton Woods then across Royal Troon Golf Course, finishing it off with a stroll along Troon’s sandy Beach.