The Ayrshire Coastal Path is the latest route to be added to the Walkhighlands website. The addition of a detailed route description, complete with 1:250,00 Ordnance Survey mapping, photos and GPS downloads means the site now boasts over 1300 Scottish walking routes.
Stretching for 147km from the southern to northernmost limits of the county, the Ayrshire Coastal Path sticks close to the coastline itself and for much of its length runs along sandy beaches. The two halves of the route have a contrasting character, with remoter, more rural countryside – and rougher walking – on the first half to Ayr, suceeded by the more urban and industrial landscapes of the northern half. The route would make a great long distance walking holiday or could easily be split into a series of day walks to be tackled separately.
Almost the entire route is blessed with superb vistas out to sea, with the great rock of Ailsa Craig and the dramatic outline of the great ridges of Arran seen across the Firth of Clyde. The route was researched and written by Phil Turner, a keen advocate of lightweight gear for backpacking, Phil is the author of the popular blog Lightweight Outdoors, and is currently working on several walking guidebooks. You can read the full route description for the Ayrshire Coastal Path via the link.