Routes
From south to north over the sea, the ancient county of Ayrshire is 55 miles long, but its curved coastline measures 84 miles (134 km). Add in several must-see historic detours, and the Ayrshire Coastal Path runs for 106 miles.
The Ayrshire Coastal Path is essentially a practical ‘route’ rather than a formal laid-out path.
Since it has very few steep hill climbs, it is less daunting than some other Long Distance Routes. And happily, the topography of the broad bights of Ayr and Irvine Bays, with their low-lying hinterland, provides an almost uninterrupted beach walk from Girvan to Largs – almost two-thirds of the entire route.
In contrast, on the sections from Glenapp to Girvan, Dunure to Ayr, and north of Largs, you can expect more rugged terrain including hill and cliff-top tracks and rugged rocky shores, which are not suitable for cyclists, horses, or slip-on shoes.
South of Glenapp it connects with the Mull of Galloway Trail which takes walkers to Stranraer and the Southern Upland Way, and onwards to Scotland’s most southerly point. North of Skelmorlie, the Clyde Coastal Path takes over, leading walkers onwards to the WestHighland Way and our Scottish mountain wilderness.
There are several short tidal sections in stages 5 and 6 which require careful planning.
9.7 miles | Choice of Easy or Moderate/Difficult
The start/end of the route is marked by an information board. This is a high-level walk with superb seascapes. The route splits about a third of the way along, with a choice of an easy inland walk on tracks and roads or a moderately challenging clifftop route which gives a real sense of remoteness.
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6.5 miles | Moderate/Difficult
An easy walk along the sand and pebble beach from the old fishing harbour at Ballantrae takes you to Snib’s Cave at Bannane Hill. From here a section of verge walking is required before you reach the Russian Cruiser Varyag monument. Look out for cliff and shore breeding birds.
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6.5 miles | Moderate/Difficult
Lendalfoot Beach is home to some of the most interesting coastal geology in Ayrshire. The route then follows an 18th century coach road over Pinbain Hill giving high level panoramas of the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig.
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8.1 miles | Moderate/Difficult
This entirely low-level route passes some of the most iconic sights in the area, including Ailsa Craig and Turnberry Lighthouse, finishing at the small fishing harbour of Maidens. There are three short tidal sections, all of which have inland de-tours.
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6.2 miles | Moderate/Difficult
A highlight of this section is the National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Castle & Country Park, which you’ll pass through between the golden sands of Maidens and Croy beaches. A high-level field top route leads on to Dunure, a small fishing village and Outlander film location. The walk finishes at the ruins of Dunure Castle. There is a short tidal section which may be impassable at high tide.
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8.9 miles | Moderate/Difficult
This spectacular route starts and ends close to two of Ayrshire’s castle ruins at Dunure and Greenan. You’ll feel a real sense of remoteness as you make your way along dramatic cliff-lined rocky beaches and high-level farmland. Stunning coastal scenery and a wide variety of wildlife including seals, roe deer and migrating birds. There are four short tidal stretches which may be impassable at high tide.
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8.5 miles | Easy
There is much to see in historic auld Ayr before progressing north to Prestwick promenade. The route passes two of Ayrshire’s links golf courses: Prestwick and Royal Troon. A highlight of the walk is the picturesque Pow Burn which attracts a variety of bird life and seals can often be spotted at Troon Harbour.
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8.5 miles | Choice of Easy or Moderate
There is a choice of routes from Troon: either directly along the coast on golden sandy beaches or a longer inland route along the Smuggler’s Trail to the ancient Royal Castle of Dundonald. At Irvine Beach Park be sure to visit the sandstone dragon sculpture!
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10.8 miles | Easy
Approximately two-thirds of this section is inland along the River Irvine and Garnock Water, and is easy-going on cycle tracks. The route passes the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Garnock Floods Nature Reserve before re-joining the coast at Stevenston. A series of promenades and sandy beaches takes you through the attractive ‘Three Towns’ of Stevenston, Saltcoats and Ardrossan. Optional short de-tour to the historic Kilwinning Abbey.
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6.5 miles | Easy
Plenty of pleasant beach walking with the Arran mountains a constant companion across the Clyde. Ardrossan Harbour, the village of Seamill and the pink sands of Ardneil Bay are all highlights of this walk.
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7.2 miles | Easy
This section starts at Portencross Castle and takes you along the base of some cliffs known as the Three Sisters. Look out for birds of prey! Passing through the grounds of Hunterston Nuclear Power Station is fascinating and just next to you is an SSSI at Hunterston Sands. The small town of Fairlie has a lovely picnic area where you can enjoy a break before heading on to the popular seaside town of Largs, site of the Battle of Largs and home to the popular Vikingar visitor attraction.
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7/9.3 miles | Choice of Easy/Moderate
From Largs there are two possible routes: The easier option is the ‘low road’, still fairly high-level at times, following minor roads past Knock Castle and offering extensive views along the coast. A more challenging and longer option is to take the ‘high road’ via Knock Hill. This Iron Age Fort provides an excellent vantage point and panoramic views over the Cumbraes, Arran and Bute. The routes come together for the final stretch past Skelmorlie Castle to the official end point of the Ayrshire Coastal Path at an information board at the north end of the town.
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