This walk is part of the trek Ayrshire Coastal Path.
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 Ardrossan bathing pool and boating ponds.
(D/A) From the Low Green in Irvine, the Ayrshire Coastal Path way markers lead walkers North along the cycle path with the River Irvine always to the left-hand side.
(1) You will walk beneath the Marress Road bridge, then past the Robert Burns statue on Irvine Meadow, meeting up with the railway line after 1km.
At this point the cycle path turns right (North), away from the river and runs parallel to the railway line.
(2) After 350m cross over a minor road and pick up the cycle path at the other side.
(3) Continue to follow the cycle path for 1km to emerge beside Bartonholm Recycling Centre.
(4) Turn right (East) then immediately left (North) along the roadside pavement, past Garnock Floods Nature Reserve.
(5) After crossing the River Garnock, turn right (East) to cross the B779 and enter an area of trees.
The path passes beneath the Kilwinning Bypass and follows the course of the River Garnock upstream.
(6) After 1km there is a fork in the path next to a bridge - keep left (do not cross the river).
Cross over the B779/Nethermains Road after 240m to pick up the continuation of the cycle path at the other side.
(7) You will come out of the trees onto Longford Avenue. Cross the road and continue West onto Byrehill Road, later becoming Dubbs Road, following the Ayrshire Coastal Path and NCN73 signage. These are quiet minor roads and you are on them for approx 3km.
(8) Shortly after passing Greenacres Caravan Park, cross the B752 and continue straight ahead (South West) into Ardeer Park.
Follow the Ayrshire Coastal Path signage South then West around the edge of the park, emerging onto Moorpark Road East.
(9) At the crossroads turn left (South East) onto Station Road in Stevenston.
After the level crossing Station Road becomes Shore Road.
(10) As you approach a grassy area, Shore Road splits into two - keep right (South West) to head towards a fenced-off play area.
After passing the play area, turn right (West) to walk through a car park.
(11) At the end of the car park turn left (South West) and cross the footbridge onto Stevenston Beach.
(12) Turn right (West) and walk along the sandy beach for 800m to a ramp at the northern end. This takes you onto a wide promenade.
(13) At the end of the wide promenade turn left (South West) onto Seaview Road. Follow the path closest to the bay for 400m to Saltcoats Harbour.
Turn right (North West) to walk around the edge of the water on a surfaced path, a large car park on your right-hand side.
(14) Just around the point you will pass a stone tower overlooking the former Ardrossan bathing pools.
Walk around a kids play area and past the former bathing pools to reach the edge of Ardrossan South Beach.
Follow the promenade for 1.4km to merge onto B780/Arran Place.
(15) Turn left (West). After a bend in the road, Arran Place becomes Princess Street.
Continue North West along Princes Street for 350m, through a level crossing and a pedestrian crossing.
(A) After the pedestrian crossing there is a fork in the road - keep left (West) to go onto Dockers Gardens, taking the first right (North West) to reach Ardrossan Harbour.
Waypoints :
D : km 0 - alt. 5m - Low Green play park, Irvine
1 : km 0.5 - alt. 8m - Robert Burns statue on Irvine Meadow
2 : km 1.49 - alt. 9m - Minor road
3 : km 2.6 - alt. 6m - Bartonholm Recycling Centre
4 : km 3.01 - alt. 5m - Garnock Floods Nature Reserve
5 : km 3.3 - alt. 5m - Right turn to enter trees
6 : km 4.16 - alt. 7m - Bridge
7 : km 4.73 - alt. 6m - Start of Byrehill Road
8 : km 7.65 - alt. 12m - Ardeer Park entrance
9 : km 8.89 - alt. 6m - Crossroads
10 : km 9.35 - alt. 6m - Fork on Shore Road
11 : km 9.86 - alt. 1m - Footbridge
12 : km 10.73 - alt. 3m - Ramp onto promenade
13 : km 12 - alt. 0m - Saltcoats Harbour
14 : km 12.7 - alt. 0m - Stone tower
15 : km 14.5 - alt. 5m - Princess Street
A : km 14.93 - alt. 2m - Ardrossan Harbour
For more information and a route review visit Gillian's Walks
Transport
Amenities
Cafes, shops and restaurants in Irvine, Stevenston, Saltcoats and Ardrossan
Terrain
Roadside pavement, cycle path, sandy beach, promenade, two level crossings
You can purchase the official Ayrshire Coastal Path guidebook from their website.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
This easy linear walk starts in Milgarholm Park, Irvine and ends on Munro Avenue, Kilmarnock. Since it is a cycle track it is great for buggies.
Sandy Irvine Beach is wild, beautiful and seems to go on and on forever! In fact it stretches 3 miles along to Barassie. You can choose to walk all the way to Barassie and back, or if you are looking for a shorter walk, just go as far as you want to before turning back. Lined with high sand dunes and the Isle of Arran visible to the west, the beach here is popular with locals out for some fresh air and exercise.
An entirely flat 12 mile circular walk makes for easy walking and feels surprisingly rural, often accompanied by either the Lugton Water, Annick Water or the River Irvine. Sights to look forward to include Eglinton Castle, the Cairnmount Hill standing stones, Sourlie Woods and Garnock Floods Wildlife Reserves, Robert Burns statue, plenty of bridges, and if you do it in summer, apple trees and wild flowers galore!
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.
Wandering though this delightful woodland, the impressive remains of 16th century Old Auchans House seem to appear out of nowhere. Go late January to see snowdrops galore, late April for wild garlic, and May for a sea of bluebells!
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 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.
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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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.