Ayrshire Coastal Path

The Ayrshire Coastal Path was created by the Rotary Club of Ayr to mark the Centenary of Rotary International in 2005. With a stunning backdrop of Ailsa Craig and the Isles of Arran, Cambrae and Bute across the Firth of Clyde, the route runs from Glenapp to Largs along one of the finest panoramic coastlines in the British Isles.

The Ayrshire coastline teems with wildlife. Seals basking on inshore rocks are a common sight. With luck you may also spot porpoise or an otter. Birdlife ranges from common species such as cormorant, curlew, gannet, guillemot, oystercatcher, razorbill, redshank, shag and terns to rare species like the great northern diver, red-throated diver and the red-necked grebe.

Coastal Ayrshire is also steeped in history. Along the way the path takes in prehistoric cairns and standing stones; the medieval coastal castles of Ardstinchar, Turnberry, Culzean, Dunure, Greenan, Dundonald, Seagate, Ardrossan, Portencross and Kelburn; the imposing ruins of Kilwinning Abbey; smugglers caves; and an iron mortsafe, used to foil body-snatchers. Other points of interest include the attractive little harbours at Ballantrae, Dunure, Maidens and Portencross; old Stinchar Bridge, built in 1776 from the stones of Ardstinchar Castle; and Prestwick, Turnberry and Royal Troon - three of the most famous Open Championship links courses in the world.

Highlights of the trail include the low whitewashed thatched ‘auld clay biggin’ where Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard was born on 25th January 1759; ‘Bruce’s Castle’, one of the most famous and frightening golf tees in the world; the wonderful beach walking at Turnberry, Maidens, Culzean, Ayr, Prestwick, Troon and Adrossan; St John’s Church Tower, where King Robert the Bruce held the first Scottish Parliament after the Battle of Bannockburn; the ever-changing views of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran; and Culzean, a wonderful fairytale castle designed by Robert Adam.

The mission of the Rotary Foundation is to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. Contours Walking Holidays will make a £5.00 donation to The Rotary Foundation for every person booking this tour.