Long distance
Ayrshire Coastal Path
Follows the entire Ayrshire coast from the Galloway border to Skelmorlie, passing Culzean Castle, Burns country, Troon links and Arran views. Gentle, accessible and steeped in history. Best walked best south-to-north over 7 days. The full route covers 161 km (100 mi) with 1,800 m of climbing — an accessible introduction to long-distance walking.
Quick facts
- Distance
- 161 km/ 100 mi
- Typical days
- 7
- Total ascent
- 1800 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Start → Finish
- Glenapp → Skelmorlie
- Best direction
- South to North
- Water sources
- Glenapp, Ballantrae, Girvan, Ayr, Troon, Ardrossan, Largs, Skelmorlie — all have taps, shops and pubs. The route follows the populated Ayrshire coast throughout. Never more than 4km from a coastal town.
- Mobile signal
- EE/Vodafone/O2 reliable throughout the populated Ayrshire coast. The harbour towns all have strong signal; the open beach sections between Ballantrae and Girvan, and the cliffs near Croy Brae, may drop signal briefly.
✔ Waymarked throughout
Approximate profile derived from per-stage ascent — accurate on total climb and pattern, not a pixel-precise GPX trace.
Our take
The Ayrshire Coastal Path is 100 miles of the most civilised walking in Scotland. Train stations dot the route, meaning you can section-walk it over weekends. Culzean Castle is magnificent. The Arran views from Turnberry and Troon are superb. Burns Heritage around Alloway deserves a half-day. Not wild — this is a coastal promenade at heart — but satisfying and accessible.
Highlights
- Culzean Castle and grounds
- Burns country at Alloway
- Turnberry with Arran backdrop
- Troon and the Open Championship links
Day-by-day itinerary
A suggested 7-day schedule. Adjust to your fitness and conditions.
1Glenapp to Ballantrae16km · 200m ascent
From the Galloway border north along the coast past Glenapp Castle to the fishing village of Ballantrae with views across to Ailsa Craig.
- Terrain
- Coastal paths, quiet roads. Easy walking.
- Overnight
- Ballantrae has the Kings Arms and B&Bs.
- Stats
- Glenapp → Ballantrae · 16km · ↑200m
2Ballantrae to Girvan22km · 250m ascent
Along the coast past Bennane Head to the fishing town of Girvan. Ailsa Craig, the volcanic island, dominates the seaward view.
- Terrain
- Coastal paths, beach walking, some cliff sections.
- Overnight
- Girvan has hotels, B&Bs and good fish and chip shops.
- Stats
- Ballantrae → Girvan · 22km · ↑250m
3Girvan to Maidens18km · 200m ascent
Past Turnberry golf course and lighthouse along the coast to the small village of Maidens. Culzean Castle is just ahead.
- Terrain
- Beach walking, links paths, coastal paths.
- Overnight
- Maidens has the Wildings restaurant/hotel and B&Bs.
- Stats
- Girvan → Maidens · 18km · ↑200m
4Maidens to Ayr28km · 300m ascent
Past the magnificent Culzean Castle and through Alloway, birthplace of Robert Burns. The Burns Monument and Brig o' Doon are on the route.
- Terrain
- Estate paths, coastal walking, promenade.
- Overnight
- Ayr has ample hotels and B&Bs. Good restaurants and pubs.
- Stats
- Maidens → Ayr · 28km · ↑300m
5Ayr to Troon18km · 150m ascent
Along the coast past Prestwick and its famous beach to Troon, home of the Open Championship links. Sandy beaches and golf courses throughout.
- Terrain
- Beach walking, promenade, links paths. Flat.
- Overnight
- Troon has hotels and B&Bs. The Marine Hotel overlooks Royal Troon.
- Stats
- Ayr → Troon · 18km · ↑150m
6Troon to Ardrossan28km · 250m ascent
Through Irvine — once Scotland's main port — and along the coast past Saltcoats to Ardrossan with its views across to Arran.
- Terrain
- Coastal promenade, beach sections, harbour walking.
- Overnight
- Ardrossan has B&Bs. Saltcoats and Largs are nearby with more options.
- Stats
- Troon → Ardrossan · 28km · ↑250m
7Ardrossan to Skelmorlie31km · 350m ascent
The final stretch past Largs and the Pencil monument commemorating the Battle of Largs, to Skelmorlie with views down the Firth of Clyde.
- Terrain
- Coastal promenade, cliff paths, some road walking.
- Overnight
- Skelmorlie has B&Bs. Largs has hotels, cafes and the famous Nardini's.
- Stats
- Ardrossan → Skelmorlie · 31km · ↑350m
Transport
To start (Glenapp)
Bus · Stagecoach West Scotland
Service 358 (Girvan–Ballantrae–Stranraer) stops at Glenapp Kirk near the start
Check times & book →
From finish (Skelmorlie)
Train · ScotRail
Wemyss Bay station (10-minute walk from Skelmorlie) hourly to Glasgow Central
Check times & book →
Best months
Accommodation
Abundant along the entire route — Girvan, Ayr, Troon, Irvine, Largs all have ample options. Train access throughout. Hotels, B&Bs and small inns at Ballantrae, Girvan, Maidens, Ayr, Troon, Irvine and Largs; all main towns have rail stations, so section-walking via train is straightforward.
Resupply
Shops in every town. The best-served of all Scottish long-distance routes. Tesco, Co-op and Asda branches in every town along the route; never more than 5km from a shop, cafe or pub. The most heavily supplied long-distance route in Scotland.
Current conditions
Weather at the start point (Glenapp)
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:40
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:42
- Civil dusk
- 23:00
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Share your experience
Walked the Ayrshire Coastal Path? Help others plan their trip.
Getting to and from the Ayrshire Coastal Path
Train and town anchors at each end of the route — on TripSCOT.