Stage 9 Irvine to Ardrossan
Inland route – Irvine Low Green - NCN7 north - Town’s Moor - Ravenspark - Garnock Floods SWT Nature Reserve - Kilwinning - Kilwinning Abbey - NCN7 south - NCN73 west - Byrehill Road - B752 to Ardeer - Shore Road - Stevenson Beach Park - East Shore - Saltcoats Harbour - Saltcoats South Beach Esplanade - Ardrossan Cross, Harbour and Marina
Distance: 17.5 km = 10.8 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5 hours
Car Parks: Irvine Beach Park – Ardrossan Cross.
Walking summary: Easy - promenades, pavements, paths, cycle tracks, minor roads, sandy beaches.
We strongly advise purchase of the Guide Book for a detailed description and map of the route.
Points of Interest
Transport: Train Services for Ayr, Glasgow, Ardrossan, Largs. Good bus services. Ferry Terminal for Arran.
Historical: Eglinton Trophy, Cunninghame House, Irvine. Cadgers’ Racecourse. Ardeer Dunes - prehistoric and industrial history. Kilwinning Abbey. Kilwinning Mother Lodge No 0. Early Industrial Revolution sites, Stevenston and Saltcoats. Saltcoats Harbour. North Ayrshire Local Museum, Saltcoats. Auchenharvie Engine House. Ardrossan Castle.
General: Sweeping views of Ayr and Irvine Bays. Fine beaches at Stevenston and Saltcoats. Ardrossan Harbour and Marina.
Nature: Bogside Flats - ducks and waders. SWT Garnock Floods Nature Reserve. Stevenston Local Nature Reserve. Rivers Irvine and Garnock –Salmon.
Eating/Provisions: Kilwinning shops, pubs and restaurants. Saltcoats and Ardrossan seafront shops and hotels.
Public Toilets: Kilwinning. Stevenston Beach Park. Saltcoats Esplanade.
Accommodation: Hotels and B&Bs, Kilwinning. Sandylands Caravan Park, Stevenston. Hotels and B&B, Saltcoats and Ardrossan. See the accommodation section for more information.