AYRSHIRE boasts some amazing scenery – and one of the finest coastal paths in the UK.
Here’s our quick guide to five of the top stretches of this amazing trail – and what you can expect to discover.
Girvan to Maidens
This route takes you from Girvan town centre, past the famed Turnberry golf course, all the way to Maidens. You will see the Roman Camp at Girvan Mains, Turnberry Castle, birthplace of Robert the Bruce, enjoy spectacular views of Ailsa Craig and have the chance to see seals and basking sharks en route. The distance is 8.1 miles and it should take four hours.
Maidens to Dunure
A popular part of the Coastal Path, this route takes you past Culzean Castle, jewel in the crown of the National Trust for Scotland. Dramatic cliffs, astonishing views of Ailsa Craig, Ireland, Kintyre and Arran and a chance to explore Culzean’s castle and country park and see Dunure Castle too, this 6.2 mile walk should take three hours.
Dunure to Ayr
This is like a walk through history. Leaving the beautiful Dunure harbour, you’ll see Alloway’s Auld Kirk, the Auld Brig O Doon, Cromwell’s Fort and, if you fancy branching off on a 2.4mile detour, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. There’s plenty of wildlife to see along the wat too. One of the longer walks at 8.9 miles, it will take around 4.5 hours…. Without the visit to Rabbie’s old house.
Ayr to Troon
As well as the delights of Ayr Harbour, Prestwick Promenade and two Open Championship golf courses at Prestwick and Troon, there’s plenty of nature to enjoy too. Shore birdlife and seals off Troon are highlights. And there are plenty of places to stop for a snack or meal in Ayr, Prestwick and Troon. The walk is 7.8 miles and should take around 3.5 and 4 hours.
Troon to Irvine
With brilliant views and sandy beaches In Irvine you can visit Seagate Castle, the Scottish Maritime Museum and Glasgow Vennel, former home of Burns. The route is 6 miles, taking three hours. A longer detour route also takes in the Smugglers Trail and the famed Dundonald Castle, birthplace of the Stuart Dynasty of Scotland’s kings and queens… who later became the UK’s monarchs too.
Get your hiking boots on and set off while the sun’s still shining.
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