10 of the best walks near Ayr

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Distance: 2 miles

Difficulty: easy

This short coastal watch takes in the stunning ruin of 16th-century Greenan Castle, as well as some rugged and unspoilt coastline. Park at either the Greenan Road Car Park or the parking lot by Millennium Bridge. 

Greenan Castle is the highlight of this walk, sitting atop a rocky promontory. It was built on the location of a military fort, adapted to a motte-and-bailey castle in the 12th century before further conversions took place in later centuries.

The route is an easy walk and should take around 30-45 minutes from the Millennium Bridge over the River Doon and back. Both car parks are just a five to 10-minute drive from Craig Tara Holiday Park. 

Distance: various

Difficulty: easy

Just southeast of Belleisle Park and golf course, and three miles from Craig Tara, there’s another park, on the opposite side of Monument Road. The Rozelle Estate has lovely woodland walks, with dramatic trees and a museum and art gallery featuring art inspired by the work of local legendary poet Robert Burns. 

Autumn is one of the best times to visit the park, to watch the leaves turning and enjoy a warming cup in the popular tearooms. Kids will enjoy the unique Story Stroll, with its wickerwork creatures. There are ornamental ponds, sculptures, lots of wildlife to spot, and the terrain is mostly easy to walk.

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Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: easy

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.

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Distance: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: easy

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.

Distance: various

Difficulty: easy

Just two miles east of Craig Tara Holiday Park at the south of the city is this tranquil and fascinating area of parkland, with its own 18-hole golf course, should you be so inclined!  

Those preferring a leisurely stroll can head to the formal gardens and grade II-listed Belleisle Conservatory with its exotic plants and glasshouse.

There are numerous walks, a play park for the kids and a cafe for refreshments too. Look out for tree carvings, and perhaps a deer or two as you explore.

Distance: 5 miles

Difficulty: easy, rocky in places but mostly flat

From Craig Tara you can head straight out on foot along the coastal path heading directly towards Ayr. At low tide you’ll be able to walk many sections of this trail along the beach, but be aware of changing patterns. 

On the northerly portion you’ll pass the picturesque ruin of Greenan Castle on the cliffside, so this walk is equally picturesque as energetic.

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Distance: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Just east of Ayr, the river snakes dramatically through some hilly woodlands, with steep rocky sides forming the titular gorge. A riverside path takes you through a red sandstone ravine surrounded by ancient trees protected by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. 

Many notable species of birds, mammals, and bats can be spotted here, including kingfishers, brown-eared bats, and river otters. The terrain can be a little challenging in muddy weather so do wear sensible footwear.

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Distance: 5.3 miles

Difficulty: moderate, some sections of the walk can be very muddy!

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.

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Distance: 6 miles

Difficulty: moderate, slippy at points but mostly flat.

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.

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Distance: 10 miles

Difficulty: moderate

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 Ayr's beach car park and walk along the beach 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.