News

1 November 2011 - FIRTH O CLYDE ROTARY TRAIL
The full length of the Firth o Clyde is set become a mecca for long-distance and day walkers as a result of ambitious plans by the Rotary Clubs of Stranraer, Ayr, Gourock, Erskine, Clydebank and Allander to complete the Firth o Clyde Rotary Trail from Mull of Galloway to Milngavie. At their recent inaugural meeting, Path Coordinators from the partner Rotary Clubs mapped out their aims and ambitions for the project:

• The new Trail will comprise the Mull of Galloway Trail (Stranraer Rotary Club); the Ayrshire Coastal Path (Ayr Rotary Club); and the Clyde Coastal Path (Gourock, Erskine, Clydebank, and Allander Rotary Clubs).
• As a vital part of the Scottish chapter of the International Appalachian Trail (Europe) (www.iat-sia.com) it will link Ireland with the West Highland Way.
• It will also provide a designated route for walkers wishing to traverse the entire length of Scotland from its southernmost tip at Mull of Galloway to its northernmost at Dunnet Head.
• In addition, it will link up with the Southern Upland Way at Stranraer, to allow a similar traverse from west to east coast.

1 September 2011 - NEW ‘FARMING AND OUTDOOR ACCESS’ PANELS
Following reports last summer of arrogant walkers with dogs mouthing off to a farmer about their ‘right to roam’ - fourteen new Information Panels have been designed (in conjunction with farmers and access officers), and are being erected in sensitive farming areas along the Coastal Path.
We hope that overseas walkers unfamiliar with Scottish farming practices will find these useful. Whether the local idiots will read them is a matter of conjecture, but at least they can no longer claim that they 'didnae ken'! With freedom to roam comes the responsibility to respect rural customs and farming practices. All walkers should read our website advice on Responsible Access before walking the Coastal Path.
PLEASE ACT RESPONSIBLY AND CONTACT FARMERS DIRECTLY IF PROBLEMS ARISE WHEN CROSSING THEIR LAND. They appreciate information on sheep or other animals in trouble. Be on the lookout for - and report - any suspicious behaviour. eg people lurking around cliffs (egg thieves), or interfering with fences, gates or game pens.
You should contact the farmer - or email us at mail@ayrshirecoastalpath.org - if you wish to raise any concerns on possible vandalism or illegal activities on farmland.
The success of the Ayrshire Coastal Path depends on mutual trust. One stupid confrontation with a farmer, or the loss of an animal, could lead to the loss of a route.

1 September 2011 - TIDAL DIVERSION ROUTE AT TURNBERRY
Thanks to the welcome cooperation of FMC Bio-Polymers of Girvan, two new stiles and direction signs have been erected to let walkers cross the Milton Burn south of Turnberry Golf course, via the bridge to the old pump house. This removes an inconvenient tidal obstruction caused by high tides or the burn in spate.
N.B. This area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for rare insects, and walkers should keep to the footpath.

25 August 2011 - APOLOGIES FOR HORRENDOUS GRASS GROWTH
Our apologies to any walkers who struggled through heavy grass between Croy and Heads of Ayr this summer. Despite mowing the field-edge paths right down to 10cm at the end of April, during May, June, and part of July we were beaten by a combination of exceptional rainfall and run off of fertiliser from the adjacent arable fields, which produced a horrendous growth of grass. For over two months, our teams of retired volunteers could do nothing but watch it grow - and grow!
However, after fighting for several weeks with 90cm grass and 1.5m high bracken and burdock, they have finally tamed it all back to the level of a wee dauner.

6 Mar 2011 - Old Stinchar Bridge 'in a dangerous and unstable state' and unsafe for pedestrian use.
We have just learned from South Ayrshire Council Roads Dept, that a survey done 29 years ago of the old Stinchar Bridge (built in 1776) found pier foundations and arch stonework to be unstable - and recommended immediate closure to the public. Barriers were erected at either end, but no Council notices warning pedestrians of any danger.
In the absence of any warning notices, we assumed that the barriers were to prevent vehicular access after it closed to traffic in 1964 - and in the Coastal Path Guide Book we encouraged walkers to visit this picturesque bridge in Autumn to watch leaping salmon.
In light of this new information, we must advise walkers not to use the old bridge, and to follow the revised signage and footways across the road bridge. We have also asked the Council to erect warning notices on the bridge.

21 May 2010 - NEW PATH ALONGSIDE A77T AT BENNANE
Volunteers from Ayr Rotary Club have recently cleared and strimmed a wide path for 600 m alongside the fence on top of the embankment, going uphill and north on the A77T at Bennane. This is a big improvement, since walkers can now stay comfortably well away from the noise of fast traffic till they reach the safety barrier at the top of the hill.

6 September 2009 - NEW ROUTE - The Lochryan Coastal Path
The Rotary Club of Stranraer has launched the Lochryan Coastal Path - a new 11 mile route that stretches between the Southern Upland Way at Stranraer to the start of the Ayrshire Coastal Path at Glenapp. More details can be read here.

6 September 2009 - CAR PARKING AT GLENAPP
Glenapp Estate has kindly provided an area for day parking by walkers under the trees on the old A77 road beyond the white Cottage exit gate. There is room for 5-6 cars with careful parking and signs have been erected.
We must still ask walkers for consideration for others when parking and would suggest:
1) Use public transport where possible.
2) Preferably leave cars at Ballantrae, take the bus to Glenapp and walk back.
3) Park sensibly - use the parking area provided.
4) Do not leave cars overnight - this blocks parking for day walkers.
5) Do not park down the working estate road on which the Coastal Path runs.
6) Do not park in the Kirk access road or car park.