News
19 January 2010 - HAITI EARTHQUAKE DISASTER - AIDED BY GUIDE BOOK
Walkers on the Ayrshire Coastal Path who have purchased the Official Guide Book will be pleased to learn that £5000 has just been donated by Ayr Rotary Club from proceeds of sales of the Guide Book, to help with disaster relief. The money is being used to support the Rotary Charity ShelterBox, and purchase 10 ShelterBoxes. Each boxes contains a large tent, stove, cooking utensils, tools, water purification equipment, blankets and clothing sufficient for a family of 10 people. In addition, sales of the Guide Book so far have raised a further £12,000 for a long-term project in Africa, and another £3,000 for Mary’s Meals, who provide nourishing daily meals for school children in poor countries like Haiti. Over 3000 copies of the Official Guide Book have already been sold and it is now in reprint. Retailing at £12, around £9 per book is donated to charity by Ayr Rotary Club. Please tell your friends.
8 January 2010 - Essential Information section expanded
The Ayrshire Coastal Path website essential information section has been expanded to contains listings of accommodation and eating and drinking along the route.
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.
25 Aug 2009 - TEMPORARY ROUTE CLOSURE - Open Golf Championship at Turnberry - May till August 2009.
This Exclusion Order expired on 10 August and the way-marked Coastal Path route across the golf course has now re-opened.
6 Apr 2009 - ROUTE CHANGE - Dipple Burn - Completion of High Tide Diversion Path
As a result of damaging floods in October 2008, which destroyed our concrete causeway, a diversion path has now been completed, running up the access track from the beach past the cottages to the A77T. From here the route goes northwards past the Alginate factory entrance and follows the line of their perimeter fence to a stile over the Dowhill Farm march fence. From here it becomes a field edge path parallel to the road, leading to a high step-stile over a stone dyke. It then follows a wrack road beside the dyke back down to the beach. Walkers wishing to stop for a snack at Dowhill Farm restaurant can cross the A77T at the open gates, but take great care and watch out for fast traffic.
6 Apr 2009 - ROUTE CHANGE - Top of the old Bennane Road at Bennane Head
Due to ongoing difficulties with access, the last 500 metres at the top of the old road can no longer form part of the official Ayrshire Coastal Path route. With sheer cliffs to the west and the A77T to the east, this is a most unfortunate situation, which is totally outwith our control. Geography and circumstance dictate that there can be only one alternative route, and by Easter Saturday signs will be erected at the north end of Ballantrae beach, advising walkers of an alternative route agreed with Transport Scotland. This will entail walkers crossing the A77T opposite the road end at the foot of the hill, and re-crossing on the summit straight. While visibility in both directions is very good at the points of crossing, walkers must exercise great care in looking out for fast approaching vehicles.
Walk northwards up the right hand side of the trunk road for 1500 metres to the summit, and keep to the path line that runs along the top of the embankment next to the fence, well away from noise and traffic. Transport Scotland has agreed to keep this area strimmed, but may not be able to do so for a few weeks.
Warning to Walkers
Wed 7 Aug 2008 - An irresponsible walker on Downanhill/Langdale Farm south of Ballantrae let slip an electrified spring coil 'gate' which wrapped itself round the electric fence, AND FAILED TO INFORM THE FARMER. As a result, 14 dairy cows being treated to suppress their milk yield, escaped into lush pasture and became severely distressed with udder engorgement. Naturally, the farmer was very angry. Fortunately their condition was successfully treated with antibiotics, but if just one cow had died, the farmer could have lost £2000.
WALKERS - The success of the Coastal Path depends on mutual trust. The loss of an animal could lead to loss of a route. PLEASE ACT RESPONSIBLY AND CONTACT FARMERS IF ANY PROBLEMS ARISE WHEN CROSSING THEIR LAND. They will appreciate information on sheep or other animals in trouble. DON'T LEAVE LITTER (even other people's) that may cause bowel obstruction if eaten by young animals.