Peden’s Cove is hidden inside Ayr Gorge Woodland, a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve. This beautiful and ancient woodland is formed around an incredible red sandstone canyon, which gives the water of the River Ayr a vibrant red appearance when the sun shines directly onto it! Peden’s Cove, a set of steps carved into the red sandstone cliffs, is reached a mile along the footpath.
Calculated time: 1h00[?] 
Distance : 3.11 km
Vertical gain : 45 m
Vertical drop : 40 m
Highest point : 80 m
Lowest point : 56 m 
Difficulty : Easy
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Location : South Ayrshire
Starting point : N 55.504681° / W 4.440356° 
Today's forecast :
(D/A) Facing the Failford Inn (KA5 5TF), head right (South West) on B743.
(1) Immediately after crossing a bridge over the Water of Fail, turn left (South) to enter Ayr Gorge Woodlands.
(2) Follow this woodland trail across a footbridge then up a steep staircase. At the top of the stairs keep left at any forks in the path (not shown on map).
(3) The River Ayr is on your left-hand side and the path follows the course of the river for 870m to a fork. Keep left.
(4) 360m along you will reach Peden's Cove viewpoint.
Retrace your steps to return to the Failford Inn (D/A)
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 57 m - Failford Inn
1 : km 0.1 - alt. 58 m - Ayr Gorge Woodlands entrance
2 : km 0.26 - alt. 72 m - Staircase
3 : km 1.19 - alt. 60 m - Fork - keep left
4 : km 1.56 - alt. 73 m - Peden's Cove Viewpoint
D/A : km 3.11 - alt. 57 m - Failford Inn
For more information and a walk review visit Gillian's Walks
Transport
By car: there are a few parking spaces just off B74 opposite the Failford Inn
By bus: there is a bus service to Failford from Cumnock or Ayr
Terrain
There is a large set steps on this route and the earth footpaths can become muddy after rain
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
5.71 km
+77 m
-79 m
1h50
Moderate
Starting point in South Ayrshire Ayr Gorge Woodlands reserve is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Scottish Wildlife Trust Ayrshire. Follow the path of the River Ayr as it flows through a deep red sandstone gorge. This circular / figure-of-eight route takes you around most of the main trails, giving you the opportunity to explore this beautiful ancient woodland including the popular viewpoint at Peden's Cove.
5.56 km
+9 m
-9 m
1h35
Easy
Starting point in East Ayrshire Starting in Catrine, follow the course of the River Ayr through woodland to the impressive Ballochmyle Viaduct. It is the highest masonry railway viaduct in Britain and even featured in a scene in the movie Mission: Impossible!
7.59 km
+91 m
-91 m
2h25
Easy
Starting point in East Ayrshire Follow the River Ayr along a pleasant woodland trail to Sorn, passing through Catrine Voes Local Nature Reserve and alongside the historic Catrine Weir. On reaching Sorn, cross the humpbacked ‘Auld Brig’ before passing through part of the village and into the “Spooky Woods”. The return route to Catrine is via Chapel Brae, a pleasant single track road which passes Catrine War Memorial.
10.20 km
+91 m
-88 m
3h10
Easy
Starting point in East Ayrshire This route first crosses Caprington Golf Course and then makes use of paved roads and paths to reach the 95 acre Coodham Estate just outside Symington. Take time to explore the Estate’s many interesting features and paths including the lake, mansion, shrine and graveyard, before starting the walk back to Kilmarnock via the high road past Stafflar Farm.
5.90 km
+16 m
-17 m
1h45
Easy
Starting point in East Ayrshire This is a really pleasant walk on the outskirts of Kilmarnock. After crossing Caprington Golf Course past the historical ruin of Blackskye Tower you will follow a former railway track bed across a field to reach the small hamlet of Earlston. The next stop is Caprington Castle and surrounding woodlands finishing with a wander through the residential part of Caprington.
8.53 km
+33 m
-32 m
2h30
Easy
Starting point in East Ayrshire A peaceful walk following the River Irvine between Kilmarnock and Gatehead, returning via the beautiful Caprington Woods and castle.
4.01 km
+63 m
-61 m
1h20
Moderate
Starting point in South Ayrshire 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!
10.42 km
+68 m
-107 m
3h10
Easy
Starting point in South Ayrshire 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.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
