Walking Routes

The second stage of the Ayrshire Coastal Path follows the sandy and rocky shoreline before running alongside the busy A77.
Terrain: Surfaced roads, sandy beaches and grassy roadside verges.
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Route Description: Stage 1: From the car park at the southern end of Ballantrae head north along the sandy beach to reach the port until larger modern fishing boats outgrow it and herring stocks declined. Head down a small slip and onto the beach - the firm sand makes this an easy three kilometres with Ailsa Craig a constant companion on the horizon as the waypoint of Bennane Head draws nearer.

A walk of contrasts - open moorland views, a summit ridge and idyllic woodland walking. There is even a ruined castle or two.
Terrain: Country lanes, earth footpaths and faint, grassy tracks - very wet in places.
Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Route description: Stage 1: A 'Dailly Trails' board in the village square offers a large scale map of the route out of the village; follow the B741 east as it passes the church and curves right to reach a crossroad. Cross when safe and head up the surfaced minor road as indicated by the metal oak leaf path marker. This metal post will quickly become familiar as the walk progresses, representing the Colliers' Oak where local mine owners used to meet with the Laird of Dalquharran. Continue up the road, gradually gaining height.

This enjoyable woodland walk heads down to visit the coast at Port Kale and returns past a gloomy waterfall. The walk is usually open from March to mid-October.
Terrain: Woodland tracks and paths; muddy / slightly overgrown at times
Time: 1.5 hours
Route description: Stage 1: To reach the car park, head out of Portpatrick towards Stranraer and then turn left onto the B738. After a short distance turn left onto a track - signed Dunskey Glen walks. The track bends round to the right and the car park is on the left before the farm is reached. Begin the walk by continuing along the track towards the farm. Opposite the buildings is a small information hut on the left giving some details about the walk. Back on the track, turn left at the farm, and keep left on the main track.

A rough hill walk to a panoramic viewpoint. Not one for those that are angered by wind turbines. This is one of the trickier walks in this area, requiring the ability to take and follow a compass bearing -- useful should the mist descend on the featureless summit plateau.
Terrain: Country lanes, earth footpaths and faint, grassy tracks - very wet in places; map and compass skills needed.
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Route description: Stage 1: Leave the village square as indicated by the fence post waymarker, along Greenhead Street and The Loaning to reach a road junction by the cemetery. Cross over and pass the cemetery entrance before continuing along the farm track towards Craig farm. The peat-stained waters of Lindsayston Burn trickle alongside the track until the main.

Start from the car park at Troon’s invigorating South Sands. To the right, beyond the wide sweep of bay, you can see a point which sticks out and protects the north facing harbour that gives the Ayrshire town its name: ‘Troon’ is believed to be a derivation of the Welsh ‘trwyn’, meaning nose or cape. It’s an ideal location for a harbour and timber and other goods are still ferried from here. To follow in the smugglers’ footsteps follow the road round to the right, through the Royal Golf Club, before veering left to take the path across the course and a rail bridge. A track leads on, to reach a busy road. Cross over for Crosbie Church and access to Fullarton House. Follow the trail signs to reach Loans. Continue by the main road, on a footpath, to take the first right. This leads onto a welcome quiet stretch and up to a reservoir with excellent views of the Isle of Arran. Blue markers indicate the way ahead through the wood. Watch for the occasional mountain biker tackling a steep, tricky, descent before Dundonald Castle appears. Cross a burn and go right to see the castle’s impressive exterior. Built for Robert II’s accession to the Scottish throne in 1371, the stronghold was used as a royal residence by the early Stewart kings for the next 150 years.
Catch a bus back to Troon or retrace the seven-mile journey for a just reward.

This short, gentle walk along the south bank of the River Ayr and through attractive mixed woodland on the Auchincruive Estate. Located just outside the county town of Ayr, the estate is a popular walking and mountain bike destination with a network of picturesque trails.
Terrain: Earth footpaths and woodland tracks.
Time: 45 mins - 1 hour
Route description: Stage 1: Begin from the car park 400m west of Oswald's Bridge. Start the walk by crossing the road and then turning right along the path that runs on the far side to reach and cross Oswald's Bridge. Erected in 1826 and named after Richard Oswald, the 18th century tobacco merchant and slave trader who built the present Auchincruive House in 1767. Immediately after crossing the bridge turn left where indicated.