Ayrshire Coast
This 19 mile linear route takes in long stretches of the Ayrshire coastline between Irvine, Troon, Prestwick and Ayr, and has spectacular views across to the Isle of Arran. The route can be ridden in either direction but here it is described as starting from Irvine.
After leaving Irvine town centre the route passes close by Irvine Beach Park before heading inland and through two Scottish Wildlife reserves, Gailes Marsh and Shewalton Wood before returning to the coast at Troon. Between Troon and Ayr the route is either on or close to the coast. You can visit beaches or stop and explore the town centres along the way.
Just beyond Ayr itself the route crosses the River Doon on a new bridge and a good finishing point is at the ruins of Greenan Castle. From Ayr you can catch the train back to Irvine or cycle back. It is also possible to organise shorter cycling trips by using the regular local train services with stations at Irvine, Barassie, Troon, Prestwick and Ayr.
Natural attractions:
- Irvine Beach Park
- Gailes Marsh Wildlife Reserve
- Shewalton Wood Wildlife Reserve
- Eglinton Country Park
Visitor attractions:
- Scottish Maritime Museum
- Royal Troon Golf Club
- Magnum Leisure Centre
- Burns National Heritage Park
Route submitted by: Sustrans
Tags
Route map
Comments
Key route details
- Region/Area:
Ayrshire and Arran
- Distance:
19 miles
- Time needed:
2-3 hours
- Classification:
Easy
- Traffic:
90% traffic-free, 10% on-road near the towns of Prestwick, Troon and Irvine
- Surface:
Tarmac
- NCN Route:
National Route 7
- Start:
Irvine
- Finish:
Ayr
- Cycle hire:
A.M.G Cycles Ltd in Ayr, tel: 01292 287580
- Access:
Train stations at Irvine, Troon, Barassie, Prestwick Town, Prestwick International Airport, Newton-on-Ayr, Ayr.
- Maps and guides
-
Lochs and Glens South Cycle Route NN7B £6.99
- Links with:
Garnock Valley Cycleway at Irvine, Cunninghame Cycleway at Irvine.
- Weather:
-
Tue
max: 10°C min: 4°C
-
Wed
max: 11°C min: 6°C
-
Thu
max: 12°C min: 4°C
-
Fri
max: 13°C min: 4°C
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