Ayrshire Coastal Path 9: Irvine to Ardrossan

Summary

This section of Ayrshire Coastal Path takes a detour inland to avoid the industrial estuary of the River Garnock. It leaves Irvine to pass through 'The Three Towns' of Stevenson, Saltcoats and Ardrossan. The walk follows the National Cycle Network routes 7 and 73 for much of the way.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Surfaced roads and cycle paths, promenades and sandy beaches.

Public Transport

Irivine and Ardrossan are served by regular buses and trains.

Start

Cochrane St, Irvine (by Irvine rail station). Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time: 4 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 24m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS315385

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

This stage begins on the corner of Cochrane St and Montgomery St in Irvine - just under the railway bridge from the station. Head north along Cochrane Street to reach the Victoria roundabout, and pass around this on the left side. Take the National Cycle Route 7 from the far side to pass under the railway. Pass Fullarton Parish Church and follow the path round to the left, separated from the road by greenery. Soon the path turns right and passes under the road. Keep ahead to the River Irvine and cross the Waterside footbridge to the far bank.

Stage 2

Turn left along the cyclepath by the river. Keep left at a fork to pass under the main road bridge, and fork left again to pass a Robert Burns statue on the left side. Soon another path joins in from the right. When the path approaches the railway, it swings right alongside it. Go straight across at a minor road and then fork right to stay on jthe cycle path. Ignore a path off right (signed Hospital), instead continuing until the route meets the entrance to the waste recycling centre. Cross this and continue on the path alongside the B779.

Stage 3

The cyclepath diverges from the road a little before rejoining it. Turn left to cross the bridge, then turn right on the far side. The cycle path leads through woodland, with occasional views of the River Garnock. Pass under the main road via a tunnel, ignore a grass path off right, and keep right and then left on the tarmac NCN73 cycle path at a junction - signed for Ardrossan. The cyclepath runs straight ahead - ignore a turning off right. Go straight across when it meets a road.

Stage 4

A short distance further on it meets another road - go straight across here (staggered slightly left) to follow a tarmac lane, still signed as the cyclepath. This soon passes under the railway. Go left at a junction (still signed as the cyclepath to Ardrossan). Pass under the A78, continue past the Todhill centre and to the end of the tarmac lane. Here turn right under the railway, then left along the minor road beyond. At the B752 go straight across onto a footpath. Keep ahead when another path joins from the right; the path later curves right through a beautiful meadow.

Stage 5

Turn left at a path junction to reach Moorpark Road in Stevenston. At the road junction beyond, turn left along Station Road, cross the level crossing and continue along the pavement (ignoring the NCN73 off right) until you can fork right, signed for Shore Road car park and sports pavilion. At the junction just beyond the cafe turn right. Go straight through the car park and continue to a footbridge over Stevenston Burn. Cross this and keep straight ahead. Soon the path comes alongside the railway.

Stage 6

Fork left at a junction to soon reach the western end of the promenade, which leads into Saltcoats. The name 'Saltcoats' or 'Saltcottis' is derived from the time when salt was extracted from seawater in the area - the 'cottis' being the local dwellings. Saltcoats harbour was later a key port in the export of coal until the completion of the deep-water harbour at Ardrossan in the early 19th Century.

Stage 7

Continue round to the old harbour and the cinema complex. Beyond this are the remains of old saltwater pools - Saltcoats became a popular resort at the end of the nineteenth century, as evidenced by the fine villas set around the South Bay, with its fine sandy beach. Continue right around the bay, passing imperceptably into Ardrossan. At the far end of the bay cross the level crossing at Ardrossan Town station and continue along Ardrossan Cross. Cross the main road to arrive at Clyde Marina, part of a regeneration scheme and surrounded by modern apartments.

Next stage: Ardrossan to Portencross

Route Profile

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