Stage 5 Maidens to Dunure
Maidens Bay - Cliff Walk or Swan Pond and Walled Garden to Culzean Castle - Culzean Visitor Centre - Culzean (Croy) Bay - Old 18th Century shore road on Drumshang – Cliff top path - track down to Dunure Castle (Kennedy Park)
Distance: 10.0 km = 6.2 miles
Time: 3 hours
Car Parks: Maidens Green - Culzean Castle - Croy Bay - Kennedy Park, Dunure.
Walking Summary: Moderate/Difficult – sandy beaches, park paths, rocky outcrops, field-edge paths, livestock. One short Tidal Stretch.
We strongly advise purchase of the Guide Book for a detailed description and map of the route.
Points of Interest
Transport: Good bus service.
Historical: Culzean Castle – Robert Adam jewel in the crown of the National Trust for Scotland, Eisenhower display (Open Apr-Oct). Coastline famous for smuggling in 18th Century. Dunure Castle - one of a coastal line of Kennedy Clan castles. Dunure Harbour - old port for a fleet of sail-driven herring boats.
General: Maidens Harbour. Culzean Castle and Country Park, Swan Pond, gardens, deer park, woodland walks, Visitor Centre. Croy Bay is popular picnic and bathing beach in summer. Dramatic views of Ailsa Craig, Ireland, Kintyre, and Arran.
Nature: Specimen trees in Culzean Country Park. Woodland and coastal birdlife. Coastal geology. Raised beaches, agates, yellow sandstone cliffs with smugglers’ caves.
Eating/Provisions: Maidens - Store and Restaurant. Culzean Swan Pond Kiosk (limited opening in summer only). Culzean Country Park Visitor Centre Restaurant (100-1700 daily Apr-Oct ; limited winter opening). Dunure Shop and Inn.
Public Toilets: Maidens Harbour and Maidens Bay. Culzean Country Park - Swan Pond, Deer Park Car Park (Apr-Oct), and Visitor Centre. Croy Bay Car Park (Apr-Oct only). Dunure Castle - Kennedy Park.
Accommodation: Culzean Camping and Caravanning Club Site. Dunure and Farm B&Bs. See the accommodation section for more information.