Lendalfoot to Girvan

(S) From the Varyag memorial car park, go down onto the beach and head north for approximately 3km.

(1) As you reach the end of the beach at some large rocks, look out for Ayrshire Coastal Path signage on the roadside to your right. Head over the grass towards the sign and turn left along the grass verge. Take care crossing the A77 over to a gate at the other side.

(2) Beyond the gate, a gravel track leads you steeply uphill before becoming grassy and levelling out a little.

Traverse the hillside North on this high-level old coach road, enjoying the views across the Firth of Clyde to Ailsa Craig.

After 2km, on approach to a farm building and mast, look out for a kissing gate on your left which takes you around the left / seaward side of the old Shepherd's hut. There is another kissing gate at the other side leading you back onto the track.

(3) Beyond the Shepherd's hut and mast, the track descends towards Ardwell Farm for approx 1.5 km. Keep heading NE, ignoring a track on your left which would take you onto A77.

(4) As you approach Ardwell Farm turn left at a fork to reach a gate giving access to the A77.

Cross the road carefully then turn right (NE) along the roadside verge. If the tide allows, head down onto Ardwell Bay via the slip (note ACP low tide route signage) and enjoy the incredible rock formations on this stretch of coastline!

(5) At Woodlands Bay Hotel, I recommend leaving the beach via the ramp and walking along the roadside pavement. The Myoch Burn approx half a mile further along can often be too deep or wide to cross on the beach so this will save you having to turn back or scrambling up the rock armouring.

(6) Follow a grassy track around the back of Ainslie Manor Nursing Home and then along the roadside pavement to Ainslie Park where this section ends. (E)

For more information and a route review visit Gillian's Walks

Transport

• Car park at Varyag memorial, Lendalfoot (KA26 0JG) and Ainslie Park, Girvan
• Bus services between Lendalfoot and Girvan
• Train services to/from Girvan

Amenities
Public toilets at Ainslie Park in Girvan as well as food/accommodation

Terrain
A mixture of sand, pebble and rocky beaches, old coach road, gravel tracks and muddy farm tracks. Some steep slopes. Lots of kissing gates. Livestock.

You can purchase the official Ayrshire Coastal Path guidebook from their website.

• Varyag memorial - built in memory of a Russian battleship which sank 500m off this point in 1920
• Extensive panoramic coastal views
• Ailsa Craig
• Kennedy's Pass
• Interesting coastal geology