News
NEWS FLASH - HIGH TIDES
30 Oct 2008 - High Tide Passage Delay Points between Girvan and Turnberry at Curragh Cottages, Dipple Burn at ISP Alginates, and Milton Burn, Turnberry.
1. Curragh Cottages - Approaching from the south, the field-edge high tide diversion route behind the cottages may be difficult at present due to a field of fodder maize that could not be cut because of the atrocious autumn weather. It should still be possible to walk between the dyke and crop and come to the kissing gates, which are hidden by the maize. However, a temporary electric fence separating this field from another with grazing lambs may also cause problems.
2. Dipple Burn - Just over two weeks ago a deluge of 80mm of torrential rain, combined with a force nine gale and a huge spring tide, destroyed our causeway (which had survived all last winter’s storms) - and deepened the course of the burn. Given the instable nature of the stream bed, and prohibitive costs of erecting a footbridge, it is unlikely that this causeway will be replaced. As a result, walkers will have to revert to the old practice of fording the burn where it crosses the beach at mid or low tide.
3. Milton Burn - Same deluge, same result, same advice!
N.B. Walkers cannot negotiate these Tidal Passage Delay Points at high spring tides or during spates, and before planning any date to walk this stretch at mid to low tide, they should check the Guide Book, website Admiralty Tide Tables, and weather forecast.
Warning to Walkers
On Wed 7 August, 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 are now in severe distress with engorged udders - and the farmer is very angry. If this condition is unsuccessfully treated with antibiotics, and one cow dies, the farmer could lose £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 THE FARMER IF ANY PROBLEM ARISES WHEN CROSSING THEIR LAND. They will appreciate information on sheep or other animals in trouble. DON'T LEAVE LITTER (even other people's) which may cause bowel obstruction if eaten by young animals.
Official Launch of the Ayrshire Coastal Path
Provost Winifred Sloan, South Ayrshire Council, Deputy Provost Ian Dickson, North Ayrshire Council and Gordon McNally, Director, Rotary International, (pictured here with Dr James Begg) formally opened the Ayrshire Coastal Path by unveiling a commemorative and descriptive board at the Low Green, Ayr on Saturday the 28th of June, 2008.
As of the 1st of July 2008, 95% of the signage is now complete. The rest is programmed to be completed shortly.
Even before its formal launch, the Ayrshire Coastal Path was becoming popular with local and overseas visitors. The Guidebook has been a local bestseller since its launch on the 8th May 2008.