A park and ride approach is suggested for this route, See the Car Parks and Transportation section below for more info.

Routes

Glenapp Kirk to Ballantrae

Download Digital Mapping File

Click the button to download the GPX file for this route

Download 1aDownload 1b

Parking Unavailable in Glenapp

Parking temporarily unavailable at the small Glenapp Estate car park due to several lorryloads of road-bottoming aggregate being stored there at present. We recommend parking in Ballantrae and using the local bus service to reach Glenapp Kirk to start this section.

Walking Summary

9.74 miles (15.7 km) / 4-4.5 hrs

Route 1a
Moderate/Difficult - 200m and 150m ascents over rough estate roads, grassy cliff-top, farm tracks and minor roads.

Route 1b
Easy - level plateau along rough tracks and minor roads after initial 200m ascent

Sensitive livestock area - Lambing and calving. Dogs not advised unless on close lead. This route connects to the Mull of Galloway Trail at Glenapp. Contrasting wild upland and superb seascapes

Official Guidebook

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 317

Travel

Car parking
Glenapp Estate provides a small day car park under trees on the old A77 road beyond the White Cottage exit gate. Look out for signs. Only room for 3-4 cars with careful parking. Could walkers please consider others when parking.

Can we suggest:
1. Use public transport where possible.
2. Preferably leave cars at Ballantrae (plenty of parking at The Vennel, Ballantrae,KA26 0NH), take bus to Glenapp Kirk and walk back.
3. Park sensibly in the parking area provided. NOT in front of the cottages.
4. Do not leave cars overnight
5. Do not park down the working estate road along which the ACP runs.
6. Do not park in the Glenapp Kirk access road or car park

Bus
Local bus service from Ayr/Girvan/Stranraer stops at Glenapp Kirk and Ballantrae.
Service every 2-3hrs. 
Note that the bus stop at Glenapp is unmarked..

Historical Sights

Prehistoric Cairns Enclosure and Standing Stones
Smuggling Coves
Ardstinchar Castle

Nature

Coastal birdlife and diverse flora. Remnants of ancient woodland. Geological and Botanical SSSIs. Salmon of River Stinchar.

Planning your Trip

Eating/Provisions
Ballantrae Tearoom
Hotel
Garden Centre

Public Toilets
Ballantrae- Foreland (All year 1000-1800)

Accommodation
B&Bs and Hotel a Ballantrae