Routes
Since November 2022 the bridge leading onto Stevenston Beach has been closed due to damage caused by high tides.
Walkers heading north towards Saltcoats should cross the smaller bridge at the end of the car park to use the cycle track behind the sand dunes to reach Saltcoats.
Walkers heading south from Saltcoats should walk along the cycle path behind the sand dunes to reach Stevenston, rather than going down the ramp onto the beach.
The information we have received from North Ayrshire Council is that the bridge is likely to be closed long-term whilst funding is sourced to have it repaired.
In the meantime please follow Ayrshire Coastal Path signage along the diversion route, shown on the interactive map above in Red.
10.8 miles (17.5km) / 4.5-5 hrs
The difficulty of this route is Easy.
Promenades, pavements, paths, cycle tracks, minor roads, sandy beaches. Sweeping views of Ayr and Irvine Bays. Fine beaches at Stevenston and Saltcoats. Ardrossan Harbour and Marina.
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 341
Car parking
Irvine - Beach Park (KA12 8FA)
Ardrossan - on-street parking around Ardrossan Cross or car park at South Beach.
Train
Frequent train service between Irvine and Ardrossan via Kilwinning. There are two train stations in Ardrossan: Ardrossan Town and Ardrossan South Beach and both are a few minutes walk from the trail. Total journey time normally approx 40 mins.
Irvine train station is right on the Ayrshire Coastal Path and is a 15 minute walk from the Beach Park.
Bus
Frequent bus service between Irvine and Ardrossan. Journey time approx 30 mins.
Ferry
Ferries for the Isle of Arran depart from Ardrossan.
Eglinton Trophy at Cunninghame House, Irvine. Cadgers’ Racecourse. Ardeer Dunes – prehistoric and industrial history. Kilwinning Abbey. Kilwinning Mother Lodge No 0. Early Industrial Revolution sites, Stevenston and Saltcoats. Saltcoats Harbour. North Ayrshire Local Museum, Saltcoats. Auchenharvie Engine House. Ardrossan Castle.
Bogside Flats – ducks and waders. SWT Garnock Floods Nature Reserve. Stevenston Local Nature Reserve. Rivers Irvine and Garnock – Salmon.
Eating/Provisions
Kilwinning shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Saltcoats and Ardrossan seafront
Public Toilets
Irvine Shorehead (Automatic all year 24 hours).
Kilwinning – Abbey Green (Superloo All year 24 hours).
Stevenston Main St (Superloo All year 24 hours).
Saltcoats Melbourne Gdns (All year 0930 – 1800).
Ardrossan South Beach (Apr-Sep 1200 – 1800).
Accommodation
Hotels and B&Bs, Kilwinning.
Sandylands Caravan Park, Stevenston.
Hotels and B&Bs, Saltcoats and Ardrossan
