Ayrshire Coastal Path 1: Glenapp to Ballantrae

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The Ayrshire Coastal Path begins with this pleasant country walk though the hills. Originally there was a coastal section but this was closed and the route now mostly following tracks and minor roads away from the coastline in this attractive corner of South Ayrshire.

Terrain

Rough estate roads, farm tracks and surfaced roads.

Public Transport

Bus from Ballantrae to Glenapp.

Start

Glenapp Kirk (very limited parking, strongly suggest bus from Ballantrae). Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Currently 3.33/56

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Tiny Glenapp Kirk - reputedly one of the smallest in Scotland - sits on the opposite side of the busy A77 to the southern terminus of the Ayrshire Coastal Path. With the coast still yet to be viewed, turn your back on the kirk and head along the estate track opposite - a gentle uphill warm up prior to branching right at Craiganlea House and beginning a steeper ascent to round the southern end of Sandloch Hill. The coastal views begin at this point with busy Loch Ryan below and Corsewall Lighthouse beyond on the northern tip of the Rhinns of Galloway. On a clear day walkers will be rewarded with views to Ireland and the Mull of Kintyre on the horizon.

Stage 2

Follow the track as it curves back inland through the cleavage of Sandloch and Blarbuie Hills to reach a wild moorland plateau dotted with prehistoric earthworks and standing stones. Continue along the easy track, occasionally moist underfoot after heavy rain, to bypass Glendrisaig Farm down to the left. Further on ignore a track branching left - originally the coast path took this route but following loss of a bridge it has been rerouted to continue ahead, reaching a tarred road at High Ballochdowan.

Photo: Mary and Angus Hogg

Stage 3

Keep ahead along the tarred road to Kilantringan Bridge. Here turn left to follow the minor road, curving right at Low Ballochdowan. Further on the road swings to the right and then to the left, passing Craigalbert and Meadow Park. Much further on, ignore a turning to the right (to Glenapp Castle), keeping ahead to Garleffin.

Stage 4

Ignore a branch road on the left. The 1.5 kilometre long gravel bank at the mouth of the River Stinchar is a designated SSSI due to the large number of terns that choose this location to breed in the summer months. Continue ahead along the road to reach the A77 and turn left along the pavement towards the parallel bridges crossing the river. The original route crossed via the old 1776 bridge, but this is closed due to its dangerous condition, so instead use the bridge on the main road. Follow the road as it enters Ballantrae, continue to the church and turn left down The Vennel to reach a car park at the beach adjacent to the aforementioned gravel banks.

Route: Phil Turner

Next stage: Ballantrae to Lendalfoot

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Ayrshire Coastal Path 1: Glenapp to Ballantrae

Click to Install our FREE APP
Download our route guides and use offline with free GPS mapping

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Users' reports

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