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!

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   Ballantrae to Lendalfoot

   8.94 km 79 m 80 m

   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.

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2. 2
   

   Glenapp to Ballantrae (inland route)

   15.08 km 175 m 227 m

   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.

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3. 3
   

   Lendalfoot to Girvan

   10.07 km 93 m 92 m

   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.

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4. 4
   

   Girvan to Maidens

   16.01 km 9 m 10 m

   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!

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5. 5
   

   Maidens to Dunure

   11.69 km 197 m 195 m

   Enjoy the clifftop views of the more rugged sections of coastline around Culzean Castle & Country Park and the fields just south of Dunure. You will even pass directly in front of the incredible 18th century Culzean Castle, as well as the remains of Dunure Castle – which dates back as far as the 1200s!

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6. 6
   

   Dunure to Ayr

   11.24 km 88 m 92 m

   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.

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7. 7
   

   Ayr to Troon

   16.72 km 13 m 10 m

   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

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8. 8
   

   Troon to Irvine

   10.95 km 5 m 4 m

   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.

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9. 9
   

   Irvine to Ardrossan

   14.93 km 8 m 11 m

   Beginning with an easy inland section along the NCN7 cycle track between Irvine and Stevenston, this walk then returns to the coast for the second half. Expect beautiful sandy beaches, wide concrete promenades and pavements. On the coastal section the Isle of Arran will accompany you to the west on a clear day! When passing, delve into local history by taking some time to read the plaques along the walls of the former Saltcoats bathing pool.

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10. 10
    

    Ardrossan to Portencross

    10.35 km 7 m 6 m

    Plenty of beach-walking on this one, with options to use earth footpaths instead should you wish. With Portencross being the closest point on the mainland to the Isle of Arran, you have the potential for some incredible views across the Firth of Clyde.

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11. 11
    

    Portencross to Largs

    11.29 km 15 m 17 m

    Portencross is arguably one of the best places from which to view the Isle of Arran! The Isle of Cumbrae quickly takes it’s place as you progress towards Largs via the industrial grounds of Hunterston and the pretty town of Fairlie. Much of this walk is along cycle tracks, pavements and minor roads.

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12. 12
    

    Largs to Skelmorlie via Knock Hill

    17.32 km 314 m 309 m

    Beginning at Largs Marina this route takes you the length of the promenade before heading inland and uphill across boggy ground towards Knock Hill. From the trig point on a clear day your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful views across the Clyde towards the isles of Cumbrae, Bute and Arran, as well as the Argyll hills and Cowal Peninsula. From here you head for Skelmorlie - the official end point of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, passing the Secret Bunker and Skelmorlie Castle en route. 

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13. E

    Glenapp to Ballantrae (clifftop route)

    15.41 km 244 m 302 m

    For more info go to https://gillianswalks.com/2023/04/14/glenapp-to-ballantrae-via-clifftops/

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