Users
Due to our low-cost strategy of simply linking existing beaches and rough passable shore terrain by utilising existing field-edge paths, wrack roads, farm tracks, pack roads and old railway track - the Ayrshire Coastal Path is essentially a practical ‘route’ rather than a laid-out formal path.
Consequently, especially in the south, it is primarily a path suitable only for well-equipped agile walkers, since many stretches along cliff-tops and rough stony beaches are not suitable for cyclists or horses.
Being mainly near sea level, compared with other established long distance walks, the Ayrshire Coastal Path should prove much less challenging since it has very few steep hill climbs. This less challenging aspect, together with its easily accessible 6-8 mile (10-15 km) stages, should attract young family groups, schoolchildren, middle-aged and elderly day-walkers, as well as the more energetic long-distance backpackers who may choose to walk two or more sections in a day.
In several locations, visitors may wish to linger for a few days to explore the surrounding countryside and use other walks such as the River Ayr Way and the Carrick Way. Some may wish a sail out to Ailsa Craig, a trip on the Waverley from Ayr, or a ferry trip across to Arran from Ardrossan, or to Millport from Largs.
Most of the central and northern sections can be cycled since the National Cycle Network routes NCN7 and NCN73 run parallel with or form a good part of the Coastal Path.
Many of the adjacent sandy beaches in the middle and north sections are already used for horse riding.
For wheelchair users, the paths through Culzean, all beach promenades, most of the NCN cycleways from Ayr to Ardrossan - and the roadside pavement between Ardrossan and Seamill - are smooth enough for wheelchairs.