This year we return to the popular town of Troon for a coastal and inland walk of about 6 miles. Enjoy the bracing air of the seafront and the sheltered ambience of the local golf courses.

The walk will be followed by our annual Festive Lunch, this year being held at the Piersland House Hotel.

Glasgow Meeting Point:

Please meet at 0900 at Cresswell Street. For those requiring a lift, please ensure you request one when registering for the walk. Lifts will only be available where drivers are able to offer them.

Starting Point for the Walk:

Please meet at 1000 at Piersland House, Troon – OS Reference NS 330 298 (see map>). There should be adequate parking available but if there is a wedding on that day, park on the seafront at the South Beach Esplanade Car Park at the end of Craigend Road.

Getting there: 34 miles / 43 minutes

Take your favourite route out of Glasgow onto the M8 (Greenock). Exit onto the M77 (Kilmarnock) and continue down to the Dutch House Roundabout. Take the 3 rd exit onto the A78 (Irvine/Prestwick). At the next roundabout keep to the inside lane and take the 2 nd exit onto the A79 (Prestwick). Immediately on exiting the roundabout move to the righthand lane and turn right onto the B749 (Troon). Follow this down towards the sea. The Piersland House is on the right opposite the golf course.

The Walk:

Troon Seashore Loop – 6.25 miles (10 km) – Flat

Starting at the Piersland House, walk down to the South Beach Esplanade Car Park and head north along the promenade towards the centre of Troon. At Port Ronnald, turn right into Wood Road and continue into Templehill. Just before the Queens View Harbour Care Home, turn left on a path for a short distance and then turn right onto Port Ranald Drive. Continue past Morrisons into North Shore Road (B746) keeping to the seaward side of the road. The path veers away from the road for a pleasant walk northwards towards Barassie. There are toilets available on this section.

When the North Shore Road swings right into Kilmarnock Road, cross the busy road with care keeping to the south side of the Kilmarnock Road. The path gently ascends to cross the railway after which descend the steps and turn left to join the cycle path. After a short distance turn right and take the path through the woodland to emerge at the rear of an housing estate on the left and a golf course on the right. Continue on this path until Muirhead Primary School and turn right over a small bridge across the Darley Burn. After crossing the bridge, take the path to the left which passes Marr College on the right and their playing fields on the left. Exit the playing fields and turn right onto a short path that parrallells Dundonald Road.

At the crossing lights, cross the access road to the college, turn right towards the college and then left to pick up the old railway line (now a cycle track) which goes under the road and emerges at another golf course. Continue on this path, past the cemetery on the left, and turn briefly right and then left to continue on the cycle track. Follow this tree-lined cycle path until another bridge. Go under this bridge and turn left to follow a short access drive which joins Craigend Road (B749). Turn left, and follow the pathway back to the hotel which is on the righthand side.

After-walk Meal:

Arrangements have been made to be seated for lunch at 1345 at Piersland House, Troon. Those who have booked in advance will sit down for a Festive Lunch. The residual meal cost is £18.95 per person (for two courses, coffee, and mince pie). If you choose to have three courses, there is an additional cost of £7.00. Please pay for your own meal as usual, including any drinks. If you wish to add a tip for the staff, they would be most appreciative.