Ayrshire Coastal Path 8: Troon to Irvine

An easy route following the promenade out of Troon before a stroll along sandy Irvine Bay and into Irvine Harbour overlooking Bogside Flats.

Terrain

Sandy beach, tracks and pavement.

Public Transport

Troon and Irvine both have regular bus and rail services.

Start

Harbour and ferry terminal, Troon. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11km / 7 miles
Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 12m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS310310

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Pick up the route by the entrance to the P&O Ferry Terminal in Troon, rejoining the familiar NCN7 cyclepath for a short distance as it threads a pleasant route around North Bay. Leave the cycle path as it heads inland at Barassie and continue along the grass foreshore before dropping down onto the firm sand. Continue along the beach below the links golf courses of Barassie, Western Gailes and Glasgow Gailes as far as a large marker post in the dunes.

Stage 2

It's possible to continue along the beach from this point all the way to the mouth of the River Irvine, but for a bit of variety (or an escape from the wind) head inland at this point. This path, at the northern end of the Western Gailes golf course, runs parallel to the beach but behind the tall dunes offering shelter from an onshore wind.

Stage 3

After passing a few stands of pine tree the path emerges at Irvine Beach Park, built on reclaimed land and landscaped with ponds and paths. Cross this via a route of your choice; you can take to the beach or head up to see a dragon sculpture atop a high dune.

Stage 4

Eventually the Irvine estuary is reached, with car parks and toilets. Head upriver, passing the remains of the Bridge of Scottish Invention, once pedestrian access to the now closed Big Idea Inventor Centre across the river - one of the doomed millenium projects. The Ayrshire Coastal Path currently inland from this point, again on the NCN7 cyclepath heading towards Irvine railway station passing along Irvine Harbour - Glasgow's seaport until Port Glasgow was constructed in the late 17th Century. The Scottish Maritime Museum has moored many historical vessels alongside the old harbour jetties, and the estuary also provides shelter to a number of pleasure vessels on trot moorings.

Stage 5

Leaving the harbour behind the railway station comes into view ahead - ignore this and turn left to follow the cycleway to a roundabout. Turn right and head under the railway bridge, then past a small church on the left. Continue parallel to the road before dipping under an underpass to emerge alongside the River Irvine again. Cross the footbridge to reach Low Green and the town beyond.

Route: Phil Turner

Next stage: Irvine to Ardrossan

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