River Ayr walk

This is a gentle walk of approximately 8.5 miles along the banks of the River Ayr. The walk is mostly flat and includes some country roads near Auchincruive.

The walk commences from the car park on the north side of Ayr Academy in Beech Grove. The route crosses the University of the West of Scotland – Ayr Campus before joining the path on the north side of the River Ayr. The path heads eastwards towards Dalmilling Golf Course and from there continues on to Mainholm Smallholdings and towards the Auchincruive Estate. The return journey retraces the outward route back to the A77, crosses the river, and then takes the path on the south side of the river before recrossing the river back to the university grounds and the starting point.

Starting Point for the Walk:

At Ayr Academy Car Park, Beech Grove, Ayr – OS Reference NS 351 215.

Getting there from Glasgow: 37 miles / 50 minutes

Take your favourite route to the M77 towards Ayr.  At the Whitletts Roundabout approach in the third lane and take the 3rd exit (A719/Whitletts Road).  Continue down Whitletts Road, passing Ayr Race Course, and at the traffic lights turn left into Craigie Road (B747).  At the next set of traffic lights turn left into Craigie Way.  Take the first exit at the small roundabout to continue on Craigie Way and then the first right into Beech Grove.  Just beyond the Premier Convenience Store turn right into Ayr Academy car park.  There are toilet facilities at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Ayr Campus near where the outward/inward route joins the river path.

There are regular train and bus services from Glasgow to Ayr.  The Starting Point for the Walk is approximately 1km from the railway station and 1.5km from the bus station.

The Walk: 

Ayr River Walk – 8 miles (13 km)Mostly flat earth paths and minor roads

From the Ayr Academy car park head south on Beech Grove towards the river.  Pass another car park on the right and turn right at the junction and then first left to head southwards past the Ayr Riverside Guest Rooms.  Continue on a short section of earth pathway and at the river turn left.  The River Path heads east on the north side of the river.

Continue along the path on the north side of the river and on reaching Dalmilling Golf Course, follow the path to the A77.  Cross the road bridge onto the south side of the river and turn right down steps.  At the river turn right under the roadway and come up on the other side of the road.  Turn right and head northwards for about 200m and then turn right into Mainholm Road.  A road sign on the left points to the right and is signed ‘Mainholm Smallholdings’.  Continue on this road (part of the River Ayr Way) and take the first right and then the first left and head towards Auchincruive on a quiet country road.  Continue along the road until two large rocks appear at a junction.

Retrace the outward route back to the A77 passing under the road again.  This time, instead of taking the steps back up to the A77 continue along the path on the south side of the river.  Follow the path, in a westerly direction, with the river on the right and cross the River Ayr to the north bank using the Craigie Bridge.  Retrace the outward route back to the car park at Ayr Academy.

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