Routes
8.89 miles (14.2km) / 4.5 hrs
The route difficulty is moderate/difficult.
Rocky escarpment/fields, livestock, rocky outcrops and shore, cliff top field path, railway track, sandy beach, promenade.
Sensitive livestock area – Lambing and calving. Dogs not advised unless on close lead.
Four short Tidal Stretches. The route features stunning views of Ailsa Craig, Ireland, Kintyre, Arran, and Ayr Harbour. Ayr beach is popular in the summer.
We strongly advise the purchase of the Official Guidebook for a detailed description and map of the route as well as insightful information about the history, geography and natural history of the region.
We also advise the purchase of OS Explorer Map 326
Official Extension of Route to BURNS COTTAGE and ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM (NTS): Deil’s Dyke – Greenan Cott – NCN7 east to A719 – Cycle way to Robert Burns Birthplace Museum – Burns Cottage – Greenfield Avenue – Doonfoot
Added Distance: 3.97 km = 2.4 miles
Added time = 1 hour
Car parking
Dunure - Kennedy Park (at the castle) - Dunure Community Council offers FREE parking at Kennedy Park from October until Easter. Between Easter and end September, there is a small £3 daily car parking charge to help maintain the car park, picnic and play areas. The park gates remain open at all times. Please refrain from parking at the Harbour which has very limited parking and it’s essential we leave those spaces for visitors to the local businesses. Thank you for your understanding and support of our local community.
Bus
Frequent local bus service connects Dunure and Ayr. 20 mins journey.
Train
Ayr train station is a 10 min walk from the Ayrshire Coastal Path and bus station.
Dunure Harbour – old port for sail-driven herring boats.
Dunure Castle – main Kennedy Clan coastal castle.
Birthplace of Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet – Alloway Auld Kirk.
Auld Brig o Doon, St John’s Church Tower – seat of Bruce’s first Parliament.
Cromwell’s Fort. Loudoun Hall – Ayr’s oldest house.
Lady Cathcart’s House – Birthplace of John Loudoun McAdam.
Roe Deer. Raptors. Finches and warblers. River Doon Estuary resident and migrating birds. Seals often seen, occasionally basking sharks and otters. Coastal geology. Raised beaches, agates, yellow sandstone and lava cliffs with smugglers’ caves.
Eating/Provisions
Dunure - Restaurant and Pub
Heads of Ayr Caravan Park Shop
Doonfoot Store
Seafield Store/Post Office
Town Centre Shops
Ayr Seafront
Public Toilets
Dunure Castle (Apr-Sep 9-7)
Blackburn Car Park (Apr -Sep 10-7)
Pavilion Low Green (10-7)
Arthur Street (10-7)
Accommodation
Dunure and Farm B&Bs
Camping at Heads of Ayr Caravan Park
Town Hotels and B&Bs
Craigie Caravan Park (Camping)
