Ballast Bank, Troon

(S/E) The walk starts and ends in the car park at the end of Harbour Road, Troon. Head South to the far end of the car park to reach the base of the ballast bank.

(1) Keep right to head onto a stone footpath built into the base of the ballast bank. Enjoy this exhilarating "cliff path" for 700m, looking out to the Forth of Clyde on your right-hand side.

At the end of the cliff path you will emerge onto Titchfield Road. Turn right (South East) to follow the pavement, passing rows of houses on your left and grassy foreshore on your right.

(2) This leads to a wide promenade, which heads around the bay to the recreational amenities at Troon South Beach.

To return to the start, begin by retracing your steps West back along the promenade and Titchfield Road, until you reach the base of the ballast bank once again.

(3) Head uphill via a wide set of steps onto the top of the ballast bank. Here you will find a wide grassy footpath with several benches dotted along it. This elevated position offers fantastic views across to the Isle of Arran on a clear day. After passing the sawmill on your right-hand side, the path descends off the ballast bank and into the Harbour Road car park. (S/E)

Click here for more information and a walk review

High tide
The "cliff path" along the base of the ballast bank can become flooded in places at high tide, although is usually passable with care. If in doubt, use the path across the top of the ballast back for both outward and return journeys. I recommend checking the tide times before you go, if you want to avoid high tide.

Extending the walk
The walk can be extended by continuing South along Troon promenade once you reach the play area and kiosk.

Amenities
Public toilets and a kiosk selling drinks, ice cream, etc are available at Troon South Beach (2)

• Rocky shoreline with rock pools
• Kids play area
• Crazy golf (seasonal)
• Sandy beach
• Views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran
• Sawmill - view down into it from above, fascinating
• Ballast bank - built in the 1840s to protect Troon Harbour from gales. The name comes from the materials used in its construction which included ballast from the cargo ships.