Best walks near Ayr
The Ayrshire countryside is easily walkable, consisting of gently rolling hills, forested areas, and graceful beaches. For those who like to get out in nature, there’s plenty to explore, and most of these walks will allow you to set your dog free for a ramble too.
Here are some of the best walks within 20 miles of us at Craig Tara, with travel distance to the start points. Pack those walking boots and remember that essential Scottish combination of sunscreen and raincoat.
Coastal trail to Dunure / Ayr
Straight from Craig Tara
From Craig Tara you can head straight out on foot along the coastal path heading either directly towards Ayr for a short walk (5 miles there and back) or turn south and walk to Dunure before turning back towards Ayr (15 miles to start and finish at Craig Tara). At low tide you’ll be able to walk many sections of this trail along the beach.
On the northerly portion you’ll pass the picturesque ruin of Greenan Castle on the cliffside. Dunure features its own ruined castle and beach. Either stretch can be walked on its own of course, and you should find parking at Ayr or Dunure if you prefer to start in town.
Ness Glen and Duncairney Falls
20 miles from Craig Tara
Starting at the northern tip of the beautiful Loch Doon, this there-and-back route takes in the wooded Ness Glen and includes the gently tumbling Duncairney Falls on the River Doon. It's a six mile route which provides shade (and rain cover) under the trees.
The path crosses and recrosses the River Doon where, if you’re brave, there may be spots to paddle or take a dip. Park near the Osprey Roundhouse takeaway café and follow the marked trail. You’ll soon enter the Ness Glen gorge, a renowned site for Victorian visitors. Take care on slippery walkways and boardwalks as you pass through the ravine.
Leave the River Doon and cross open fields to pick up another stretch of the river at the dramatic falls, just south of the Bogton Loch. In winter, the falls are known to freeze entirely over, a popular draw for photographers.
Ayr River Path
4 miles from Craig Tara
The wooded banks of the Ayr River form a charming walk, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the route. Start at the Ayr campus of the University of West Scotland (Station Road car park) and walk to the riverside, before heading east along the riverbank. You can walk along the north bank, cross over at the A77 and return via the south bank as far as the footbridge, before taking the north side trail for the last stretch.
If you’re lucky you may spot otters at play among the pools, or even see the bright flash of a passing kingfisher. It’s a peaceful and relaxing experience. The circuit amounts to around three miles in total, making this a relatively easy stroll.
Alloway Burns Round
2 miles from Craig Tara
Robert Burns’ birthplace at Alloway is well worth a visit in its own right. If it’s a fine day, allow time for this four mile circular route which includes several sights linked to Scotland’s national poet.
The marked Poet’s Path starts on the B7024 just south of Burns' birthplace and continues south to Burns monument and memorial gardens. Loop back to the path alongside Murdoch’s Lane and follow the Burton Cycle Track to Maybole Road before turning left onto the Slaphouse Burn path to the Rozelle Remembrance Woodland. Return via the wooded path south alongside Monument Road.
Ayr to Troon Coastal Path
3 miles from Craig Tara
To the north of Ayr, the coastal path offers opportunities for birdwatchers and plane spotters alike, as it passes close by Prestwick Airport.
Start at the Low Green car park in Ayr and walk along the beach or promenade towards Ayr Harbour, before crossing the estuary to continue alongside the wide sandy bay and salt pans south of Prestwick. Rolling farmland, golf courses (including the celebrated Royal Troon) and sandy beaches continue as far as the Pow Burn, which you may have to wade (or avoid via the nearby road).
You can let the dog off the lead on wilder stretches but watch out for lambing sheep in the nearby fields in spring.
Bogton Loch Circular
16 miles from Craig Tara
For something a little more remote, Bogton Loch offers walkers or joggers a little wilderness and solitude. It’s a six mile circular route starting and finishing at Dalmellington on the Ayr Road (A713).
South of the A713, follow the B-road opposite the Dalmellington Community Centre across a small burn and continue straight on, taking a footpath to your right that passes Wee Berbeth Loch. Round the hillside then follow the trail alongside the Dalcairnie Burn and the dramatic falls upstream. Continue north past the Loch’s western extent to reach the B741 and turn right to return to the start.
Your dog should be able to roam on the wooded trails but return them to the lead for the open farmland stretches.
Start planning your Great British break
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Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
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Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
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Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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As at 12 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Combe Haven, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, Skegness, The Orchards, Quay West and Wild Duck only until the stock has been sold. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £29,995 – reduced from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £29,995 until 31 August 2024 at which point it will revert to £33,995. At Far Grange the holiday home price point is reduced from £33,995 and will revert to this price on 31 August 2024.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at – Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, The Orchards, Quay West, and Wild Duck
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
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Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.