Ayrshire Walking

Ayrshire and the islands just off its coast have a good variety walking routes. These include mountains, scenic hills, country estates and coastal.

There will be a number of routes added in the following months.

Some of the routes below have photo tours to give a guide to the route with images and text.

Ailsa Craig an island bird sanctuary 10 miles off the town of Girvan, 1,110 feet
This is a volcanic island popular with hill walkers, 1,110 feet high. There is a boat from Girvan that makes regular visits to the island. You get about 3 hours on the island, enough time to walk to the summit and back with time to spare, then a trip around to view the cliffs, birds and seals before returning to Girvan. Map.
Photo Tour Page
Ailsa Craig Page
Girvan Page

Alloway Village, Rozelle Estate & Belleisle Estate about 4 - 6 miles
This walk begins in the extremely scenic Alloway Village which is situated 3 miles south of Ayr. The walk then passes through Rozelle Estate for scenic ponds, mansion house with art gallery and modern art sculptures in the gardens. The walk then passes through Belleisle Estate past the golf courses and in to the scenic gardens and deer park. Map.
Photo Tour Page
Alloway Page

Ayr to Greenan Castle and Heads of Ayr cliffs about 5 - 8 miles
This walk begins at the Low Green in Ayr centre by the beach. The walk goes south just over 2 miles to Greenan Castle at Doonfoot, following a path or along the beach. The walk can be extended from Greenan Castle to the Heads of Ayr cliffs a further 2 miles south. Map.
Photo Tour Page
Ayr Page

Blackcraig Hill 26 miles southeast of Ayr by New Cumnock, 2,297 feet
Blackcraig Hill is often noted as being the highest hill in Ayrshire at 2,297 feet. There are a few others slightly higher on the border with Ayrshire. Blackcraig Hill is said to be a fairly easy walk to the top with fantastic views all around. Map.
Photo Tour Page
New Cumnock Page

Carsphairn Woodhead Mine Walk 30 miles southeast of Ayr
A linear walk along quiet roads and tracks through mixed coniferous plantations leading to old lead mines. Please note that dogs are not welcome on these lands and the route is closed during mid April to mid May for lambing. Map.
Photo Tour Page
Route

Holy Isle off the Isle of Arran 1,030 feet
This walk begins after a ferry trip to Arran then a small boat trip from Lamlash to the Holy Isle. The walk starts on the island from the pier, where someone from the Buddhist retreat will welcome you to the island. The summit is about 1,030 feet. Map.
Photo Tour Page
Arran Page

Isle of Arran, Goat Fell Mountain Isle of Arran southwest Scotland 2,866 feet
Goat Fell is the highest mountain on the Isle of Arran at 2,866 feet or 874 metres. The Isle of Arran is probably the most scenic island in Scotland. The mountain is situated about 5 miles north of the main town and ferry port of Brodick. Goat Fell has spectacular views over the island and Firth of Clyde to Scotland. The main tourist trail up Goat Fell normally takes between 4 & 5- hours to the top and back. Map. Reviews.
Photo Tour 1
Photo Tour 2 some good large images from the top
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goat_Fell
Arran Page

Isle of Arran, Kings Cave west side of the island about a 4 mile walk
This walk to the Kings Cave is from the Shiskine Golf Club at Blackwaterfoot on the west side of Arran. The walk is about two miles out the the cave which is fairly level apart from a rather large hill in the middle. Map.
Photo Tour Page
Arran Page

Isle of Cumbrae off Largs, 10 mile walk flat or 417 feet
This walk around the Isle of Cumbrae is about 10 miles. There are also trails across the island at its highest point at 417 feet. The road round the island is popular with cyclists as well with many cycle hire shops on the island. The only town is Millport with cafe's and a hotel for food and beverages. Map.
Photo Tour Page
Cumbrae Page

Loch Doon 14 mile hill road walk fairly flat, there are also hills of 1,716 feet and 2,520 feet
The Loch Doon walk starts at a car park about 1 mile east of Dalmellington, 15 miles east of Ayr. The walk takes you to Loch Doon Castle at the southeast end of the loch, about 7 miles. The route can also be done by bike or car. There is also a forest road that can be followed to another two lochs and the highest hill in the Ayrshire area, Shalloch-on-Minnoch at 2,520 feet.
Map.
Photo Tour Page
Dalmellington Page

Straiton to Hunter Monument and Bennan Circuit scenic village 14 miles southeast of Ayr 1,086 feet
This walk starts in the scenic village of Straiton and climbs to the Hunter Monument on top of one of the highest hills overlooking the village. The walk then heads south, crosses to the other side of the valley, then turns back towards the village. The walk can be between 4 and 7 miles, depending on the route you follow. Map.
Photo Tour Page
Straiton Website