The Walking
Easy Walking
From Ayr northwards to Largs, most of the walk is easy and suitable for all age groups - along natural beach terrain, cycle paths and pleasant coastal town promenades.
Moderate Walking
From Ayr southwards to Glen App, although much of the coast is also fine beach walking, there are many sections of coast - from Heads of Ayr to Croy Bay where the Carrick Hills descend to the sea; at Kennedy’s Pass north of Lendalfoot; Bennane Head north of Ballantrae; and the cliffs north of Glen App - where walking along the shore itself is difficult or impossible. Luckily in some areas there are sections of disused railway line, and gradual ascents over remnants of ancient pack roads and farm tracks that effectively bypass the cliffs and provide superb high-level views of the Firth.
Difficult Walking
Unavoidably - between Ayr and Dunure, Dunure and Culzean, and Turnberry and Girvan - there are several short (150-300 m) sections of route that involve scrambling over a rocky shoreline. While passable at most states of the tides, these can be impassable for 1-2 hours before and after certain high spring tides on 3-5 days each month. Advice is given in the
Route Guide and
Guide Book and delays can be eliminated with careful route planning and by taking this advice into account and checking Tide Tables (link).
Amenities
Since coastal villages or towns are seldom more than five to eight miles apart - all with shops, restaurants, or pubs - there is no shortage of eating and toilet facilities. In addition, there are numerous caravan and camping sites at regular intervals to cater for back packers, and plenty of
B&B and hotel facilities.
