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. 

Troon to Irvine 

Irvine Times:

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 six 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. 

Irvine to Ardrossan 

Irvine Times:

This route takes you from Irvine’s Low Green, through the Scottish Wildlife Trust nature reserve to Kilwinning and along Ardeer’s dunes to the excellent beaches of Stevenston, Saltcoats and finally into Ardrossan. Look out for ducks and waders around the Ardeer peninsula and take time to visit Kilwinning Abbey and Ardrossan Castle. The route is an easy walk of 10.8 miles, taking four to five hours. 

3 Ardrossan to Portencross 

Irvine Times:

Here you can enjoy Ardrossan’s marina and watch the ferry leave for Arran. It is regarded as an easy walk of 6.5 miles along promenades, pavements, cycle tracks and some beautiful sandy beaches before reaching the ancient Portencross Castle. It should take you around three hours. 

Portencross to Largs 

Irvine Times:

This walk takes you from the castle, along past Hunterston Nuclear Power Station, through Fairlie and Kelburn Country Centre, past Largs Yacht Haven and the Pencil Monument to the Battle of Largs to the Doon The Watter resort itself.  There are plenty of amenities en route for this 7.2 mile walk which should take around 3.5 hours. 

Largs to Skelmorlie 

Irvine Times:

The most northerly part of the Ayrshire Coastal Path takes you from Largs, along pavement, paths and farm tracks to Skelmorlie. Look out the famous Skelmorlie Aisle in Largs and the Vikingar Centre along the town’s promenade. Beautiful views of the Isle of Cumbrae all the way to the route’s end. This is a 9.3 mile walk which should take four and a half hours. 

Get out there while the sun’s still shining.