Irvine to Ardrossan

Description

(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.