Ayrshire Coastal Path 9: Irvine to Ardrossan

This section of Ayrshire Coastal Path has an industrial air. It leaves Irvine to pass through 'The Three Towns' of Stevenson, Saltcoats and Ardrossan. The route follows the National Cycle Network routes 7 and 73 for much of the walk.

Terrain

Surfaced roads and cycle paths, promenades and sandy beaches.

Public Transport

Irivine and Ardrossan are served by regular buses and trains.

Start

Low Green, Irvine. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Grade (key)

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.75km / 9.25 miles
Time: 4 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 24m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS317391

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The route is well-waymarked with the Ayrshire Coastal Path logo featuring on many of the NCN7 signs. The stage begins from Low Green, the riverside park in Irvine. On the surfaced cycle path head north along the east bank of the River Irvine, passing under the road bridge and onwards towards a prominent Robert Burns statue. Soon the common ground of Town Moor will be reached, featuring the oval track of Cadgers' Racecourse where carthorses and ponies are still raced in mid August. Now following the route of the railway, cross a minor road and continue along the cycle path before branching right where indicated and shadowing the quiet B779 north. Garnock Floods Nature Reserve is reached on the left, providing a wetland habitat for duck, geese and waders.

Stage 2

Immediately after crossing the bridge turn sharply right to proceed through a short stretch of woodland and under the A78(T) via a tunnel to rejoin a riverside path. Follow this as it curves left, then ignoring a footbridge on the right and a signed path towards Kilwinning, proceed along the NCN73 eastwards towards Ardrossan. The path runs through an industrial estate to join a minor road which again passes under the A78 and the railway line to enter Ardeer Park after 2.75km of easy walking. Upon reaching New Street in Stevenston, turn left towards the railway station, cross the level crossing and continue along the pavement (ignoring the NCN73 heading right) until an ACP signpost indicates a right turn towards Stevenston Beach Park. Bear right and head through the car park to reach a new footbridge over Stevenston Burn and cross this to reach the sandy beach.

Stage 3

From here it's possible to head sharp right across the dunes to regain the NCN73 alongside the railway, or continue onwards to walk along the beach trending right. Head up the ramp at the western end of the beach to reach a long promenade stretching all the way to Saltcoats Harbour. The name 'Saltcoats' or 'Saltcottis' is derived from ancient times when salt was extracted from seawater in the area - the 'cottis' being the local dwellings. In more modern times Saltcoats harbour was a key port in the export of coal until the completion of the deep-water harbour at Ardrossan in the early 19th Century. The Victorian love of coastal resorts led to a brief resurgence in popularity towards the end of the century, indicated by the impressive villas lining the seafront, but the rise of cheap overseas holidays has seen Saltcoats decline somewhat over recent years.

Stage 4

Continue along the promenade or golden sands of South Beach until Saltcoats seamlessly blends into Ardrossan as Stanley Burn emerges from the seawall. Cross the level crossing at Ardrossan Town station and continue along wide Ardrossan Cross. Cross the main road to arrive at Clyde Marina, part of a regeneration scheme and surrounded by modern luxury apartments.

Route: Phil Turner

Next stage: Ardrossan to Portencross

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