North Ayshire walks

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!

On a clear day the views from this route are simply outstanding: the islands of Cumbrae & Arran and the pink sandy beaches at Fairlie and Hunterston. A variety of woodland paths, tracks and grassy hillsides lead you gently uphill past the remains of Fairlie Castle and along the base of Black Hill. The return section follows the Fairlie Moor Road and then the Ayrshire Coastal Path. There is the opportunity to visit some hidden waterfalls along the route.

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.

This short circular walk around the Caaf Water is packed with unexpected ‘fairy’ surprises hidden within a tranquil wooded glen. The gorge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the unique and interesting rocks it contains. Perfect for families and for anyone who likes waterfalls!

Amenity park land with a mixture of grassland, woodland, wildflower meadows and a pond.

A short circular amenity park walk on tarmac paths with one small, shallow gradient.

A short circular woodland walk through Geilsland Country Estate and Spiers Old School Grounds.

An amenity park walk on tarmac surfaces with a pulse-raising gradient. This walk is within a short distance of Kilbirnie Main street.

A pleasant woodland fitness walk on countryside trails with pulse raising finisher.

A short circular riverside walk in amenity parkland. Mainly flat tarmac surfaces with some gentle inclines.

This is a circular route around Irvine Beach Park boating pond with steep inclines/declines, ideal for those looking to add a little pulse raiser into their walk and be rewarded with beautiful views. Amenity parkland.

A short, circular walk on a flat tarmac surface. Amenity parkland adjacent to Irvine beach.

Walk into the woodlands before reaching Arran Island Western Coastline with its hidden caves full of stories and views of surrounding mountains, The Doon Fort, and Drumadoon Point. This walk has one gate and a rocky beach which can be unheaven.

A family-friendly walk into the woods where you will get nice views and a unique Eco-Library worth visiting.

One from my Pulse Raiser series of walks, this is a woodland river side walk with undulating terrain and steep steps.

A short, flat tarmac circuit in amenity park land. Ideal for those new to fitness or recovering from illness or injury.

A woodland and amenity park land walk with scenic views of Kilbirnie Loch.

This circular route offers outstanding views of the Firth of Clyde – on a clear day the views to Great Cumbrae, Wee Cumbrae, Arran and Ailsa Craig, make it well worth the walk to the summit. Whatever the weather there are fascinating Neolithic rock markings and remains of an old millstone quarry.

Starting in the village of Knockentiber, this route uses a small section of the NCN73 cycle track before heading out into open countryside, following quiet country roads onto the Overtoun Rd leading to Springside. The return is via the Knockentiber. Road - a single track road offering fine views down to Crosshouse and back towards the Isle of Arran on a clear day.

A great walk between the Ayrshire villages of Knockentiber and Springside. The outward route follows the NCN73 Kilmarnock-Irvine cycle track into Springside and returns via the quiet Knockentiber Road. Lovely views from the highest points, including down into Crosshouse and over to the Isle of Arran.

A pleasant short walk along quiet country roads and the cycle path, starting in the village of Knockentiber.

A delightful short walk taking in some of Kilmaurs’ best bits, including Morton Park and the war memorial, St Maurs-Glencairn Parish Church, the remains of “Penny Bridge” and the impressive toolbooth known as the Jougs. It is actually much more of a countryside trail than its name suggests, including several field crossings. Wellies sometimes advisable!

This route takes you from the ferry terminal in Brodick to the summit of Goatfell (874 m / 2866 ft) following the ‘tourist route’, returning with a de-tour through Conocan Wood and past Brodick Castle, a National Trust for Scotland property. Goatfell is the highest peak on the Isle of Arran and from the top on a clear day you will be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views across the island’s array of dramatic granite ridges.

Starting at the ferry slip on the Isle of Cumbrae, you will head uphill to the Glaid Stone, the island’s highest point, before descending into Millport. From here you walk back via the quiet Ferry Road. Along the way enjoy the views across to the Isle of Bute, Isle of Arran, Little Cumbrae and the hills of Ayrshire. You will pass several small lochs, a mineral well and the Cathedral of the Isles (Britain’s smallest cathedral). Not forgetting the famous Crocodile Rock!

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.

By combining the High and Low route options of the Ayrshire Coastal Path at Largs, you can create this circular route to the top of Knock Hill (268m / 879 ft) and back again. Enjoy panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde to the Cowal Peninsula, southern Highlands, Isle of Cumbrae and Arran, as well as down into the town of Largs itself.

A beautiful hike from Brodick which follows the Glenrosa Water deep into the tranquillity of the Glen to ‘The Saddle’ before returning via the same route.

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. 

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.

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.

This is a short circular route which has a steep incline halfway through. It links the main areas of interest in Rothesay with a woodland and seafront stroll allowing views across Rothesay Bay.