Routes
Please note that due to the Irvine Harbourside Regeneration Project within the Irvine Beach Park area, there may be disruption to the official Ayrshire Coastal Path route to/from the dunes path, between the boating pond and the Pilot House. Other routes are usually available, and the route along the beach is unaffected.
Route 8 Troon-Irvine (Beach route) - 6 miles(10km) / 3hrs. Moderate/easy. Promenade, pavements, paths, sandy beaches.
Highlights – a pleasant stroll along the sands to Irvine. Distant views of Southern Uplands. Ayr and Irvine Bay seascapes. Bridge of Scottish Invention. Scottish Maritime Museum. Irvine town centre.
Route 8a Troon-Irvine via Dundonald Castle - Official extension of route which adds 5 miles (9km) to incorporate a visit to the ancient Royal Castle of Dundonald via the Troon Smuggler’s Trail.
Moderate – pavements, return woodland track with total 200m ascent, cycletrack.
We strongly advise the purchase of the Official Guidebook for a detailed description and map of the route as well as insightful information about the history, geography and natural history of the region.
We also advise the purchase of OS Explorer Map 341
Car parking
Troon - at Yacht Marina (KA10 6DJ) or beside the Promenade.
Irvine - Beach Park (KA12 8FA)
Train
Frequent train service between Troon and Irvine. 7 minute journey.
Troon train station is an 8 minute walk from the Ayrshire Coastal Path.
Irvine train station is right on the Ayrshire Coastal Path trail and is a 15 minute walk from the Beach Park.
Dundonald Castle, famous birthplace of the Stuart Dynasty of Kings and Queens of Scotland and later – from 1603 – of Great Britain.
Irvine – Tide Telegraph, Ship Inn, and old Harbourside dwellings. Eglinton Trophy at Cunninghame House. Seagate and Seagate Castle. Glasgow Vennel (Robert Burns).
Sea and Shore birds – Troon North Sands. Fragile dune and heathland ecology. Estuary birds on Bogside mudflats.
