Routes
6.2 miles (10km) / 3hrs
The route difficulty is moderate/difficult
Sandy beaches, park paths, rocky outcrops, field-edge paths. Sensitive livestock area – Lambing and calving. Dogs not advised unless on close lead. One short Tidal Stretch.
Along the route you will see Maidens Harbour. Culzean Castle and Country Park, Swan Pond, gardens, deer park, woodland walks, Visitor Centre. Croy Bay is popular picnic and bathing beach in summer. Dramatic views of Ailsa Craig, Ireland, Kintyre, and Arran.
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
Car parking
Maidens - Harbour car park (KA26 9NR)
Culzean Castle & Country Park - entry fee applies (KA19 8LE)
Croy Shore car park (KA19 8JS)
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
No direct public transport option between Maidens and Dunure. Option to travel via Ayr.
Hourly service between Ayr bus station and Dunure takes approx 20 mins.
Service between Ayr bus station and Maidens takes approx 45 mins and runs every 1-2hrs.
Culzean Castle – Robert Adam jewel in the crown of the National Trust for Scotland (Open Apr-Oct).
Coastline famous for smuggling in 18th Century.
Dunure Castle – one of a coastal line of Kennedy Clan castles.
Dunure Harbour – old port for a fleet of sail-driven herring boats.
Specimen trees in Culzean Country Park. Woodland and coastal birdlife. Seals and basking sharks in Croy Bay. Coastal geology. Raised beaches, agates, yellow sandstone cliffs with smugglers’ caves.
Eating/Provisions
Maidens - Store and Restaurant
Culzean Swan Pond (Summer only)
Culzean Visitor Center (1000-1700, Apr-Oct)
Dunure Shop and Inn
Ropes Bistro, Maidens
Public Toilets
Maidens Harbour (All year 0900-1700)
Culzean S. Pond (All Year 0900-sunset)
Culzean V. Centre (All Year 0900-1730)
Croy Bay (Apr-Oct 0900-sunset)
Dunure Castle (Apr-Sep 0900-2100)
Accommodation
Culzean Camping and Caravanning Club
Dunure and Farm B&Bs
