The River Ayr Way

East Ayrshire………just waiting to be enjoyed!

Experience Ayrshire’s most varied and beautiful countryside, enjoy relaxing accommodation, welcoming pubs and award winning restaurants.

Please note that the section of the River Ayr Way between Daldorch and Wellflat Bank, Stair is no longer available, due to a landslide. As this section of route is unstable and potentially dangerous, the public should not attempt to use it. A temporary diversion, via Daldorch, has been put in place whilst a permanent alternative route is being negotiated.

The section of the River Ayr Way from Catrine to Sorn has also been closed for necessary maintenance. Temporary diversions have been put in place while these works are carried out.

The River Ayr Way is Scotland’s first source to sea path network. It covers a distance of 44 miles following the river Ayr from its source at Glenbuck Loch to the sea at Ayr. The route passes through one of the most interesting river valleys in Southern Scotland and unlike many other long distance routes it can be walked over a weekend or a long weekend making it an ideal short break activity for visitors to Ayrshire.

The River Ayr Way was officially opened in 2006 by Fred Macaulay and recently celebrated it’s 5th birthday with a range of celebration events taking place along the route.

The development of the River Ayr Way was part of the Coalfield Access Project. Ayrshire’s mining history gave access to funding packages totaling £2.5m which was to implement the River Ayr Way and other key routes including the Doon Valley Network, Lugar Water Trail and the Coalfield Cycle Route.

The River Ayr Way passes through areas steeped in history with links to many famous Scottish figures including Robert Burns, William Wallace, John Loudoun Macadam and many covenanters. The route also has a wide range of habitats and diversity of wildlife including otters, badger, heron, hen harrier and much more.

For other routes and paths within East Ayrshire, have a look at East Ayrshire Council’s Core Path Plan

To request an information pack on the River Ayr Way please contact Countryside Development on 01563 554734 or write to Countryside Development, Dean Castle Country Park, Dean Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 1XB

Scotland’s Great Trails are nationally promoted trails for people-powered journeys. Each is distinctively way-marked, largely off-road and has a range of visitor services. At least 25m miles in length, they are suitable for multi-day outings as well as day trips. Collectively the 20 SGTs provide over 1300 miles of well managed paths from the Borders to the Highlands, offering great opportunities to explore the best of Scotland’s nature and landscapes and to experience our amazing history and culture.

Previously known as long distance routes, Scotland’s Great Trails comprises a network of 20 longer distance routes. The new network represents the best trails Scotland has to offer the long distance walker or cyclist

The Graham Obree Classic Sportive

On Sunday 31st of July The Graeme Obree Classic Sportive will set off from Auchincruive College with the opportunity to experience some of the best, most cycling friendly roads in Scotland. There will be three rides:

10 Mile Family Ride (Free to enter)
The leisurely 10 mile family run routed mostly on cycling track/paths travelling into Ayr centre, down onto the seafront and back. This is a brilliant opportunity to bring out the kids and let them experience an organised cycle event in safe surroundings.

45 Mile Intermediate Ride (Entry fee £35.00)
Starting at Auchincruive the route heads south then south east before routing back to Auchincruive. This will include a first – a women’s only cycling group led by multiple world champion and World Record Holder Yvonne McGregor.

65 Mile Endurance Ride (Entry fee £35.00)
Starting at Auchincruive this route will challenge the strongest riders with 65 miles of energy sapping roads heading south and south east, crossing the famous Nick o the Balloch climb before switching back up via Straiton and Dalmellington to return to Auchincruive for the finish.

The Flying Scotsman himself, Graeme Obree will lead this ride across many of the roads he trained on as a youngster. The course has 3,750 feet of climbing with some very technical descents and traverses surrounded by some magnificent scenery in the moorlands high above Ayrshire.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The inaugural event will take place on Sunday 31st July 2011 with cyclists departing from Auchincruive College from 0730 until 0930.

Walking the Route

The River Ayr Way is Scotland’s first source to sea path network which begins at Glenbuck and follows the river for 66kms (44miles) to the sea at Ayr passing through some of Ayrshire’s most stunning and varied scenery from open remote moorland to shaded river gorges.

The River Ayr Way has inspired Robert Burns and helped William Wallace hide from English troops. It has created a village and powered an industrial revolution.

This area of beautiful Ayrshire is rich in history. Find out more about some of Ayrshire’s most famous worthies on this walk – William Wallace, Robert Burns, John Loudoun Macadam and Tibbie Pagan are just a few. Discover more of the rich industrial past of the area and the bloody Covenanting times.

The River Ayr Way is also home to a huge variety of wildlife on this walk including kingfishers, otters, heron, hen harrier, merlin, badgers, roe deer and black grouse. Have a look at our wildlife pages to find more.

The River Ayr Way Challenge

This year’s River Ayr Way Challenge will take place on Saturday 15th September for runners. Enter online using the link on the left hand side of this page.

Runners Entry List 2012

The River Ayr Way Challenge for walkers will take place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July as part of the Ballochmyle Walking Festival.

An online entry form will be available soon. In the meantime please contact anneke.freel@east-ayrshire.gov.uk if you wish to register. Further details on the Walkers Challenge can be found below

The River Ayr Way Challenge for runners is part of the Scottish Ultra Marathon Series (SUMS), a series of 9 ultra races across Scotland. The programme for 2012 is below and more information can be found at www.sumseries.org.

The River Ayr Way was opened in 2006 and is now attracting around 100,000 people to walk it each year. We have a number of events along the River Ayr Way throughout the year but the River Ayr Way Challenge is the most popular and by far the most challenging event.

Walkers and ultra runners are invited to walk or run the route. Runners are asked to run the route over one day and walkers cover 22 miles per day, completing the Challenge in 2 days.

Each year the River Ayr Way Challenge organisers choose a charity and many of the participants choose to take part in the Challenge as a sponsored event.

To date over £10,000 has been raised for various charities including the Cancer Research UK, the Fairy Box Charity and Scottish Cancer Support.

Information for Walkers

Entry

Teams or individuals are welcome to enter. Get your friends or colleagues involved, enter a team, raise funds for our nominated charity and discover some of the most beautiful scenery that Ayrshire has to offer. Walkers are expected to complete the Challenge in 2 days completing 22 miles per day. Cheques should be made payable to East Ayrshire Council. Enter online. Please return fees to: Anneke Freel, The Dower House, Dean Castle Country Park, Dean Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 1XB

Transport / Logistics

Buses will be provided. The pick up points will be from Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock and the Citadel in Ayr, stopping off in Cumnock on the way to Glenbuck. Buses will leave Dean Castle Country Park and the Citadel at approx 7.30am to ensure that everyone is at Glenbuck ready to start at 9am.

On Day 1 walkers are expected to walk from Glenbuck to Catrine House Caravan Park / Ice Cream Parlour. The 2nd day of the Challenge is from the caravan park to the Citadel in Ayr

Transport will be provided at Catrine to take walkers home at the end of the 1st day. Please be aware that the finishing times can be quite staggered and faster walkers may have to wait until there are enough people to fill a bus before they can get transport back from Catrine. Anyone wishing to arrange their own transport back from Catrine at the end of day one are welcome to do so.

For anyone who wishes to camp overnigth at Catrine House Caravan Park you can contact the caravan park directly on 01290 551252

Buses will also be available on the Sunday morning to take walkers back to Catrine to carry on with the 2nd day’s walk. These buses will leave Kilmarnock and Ayr at approx 8.30am to get to Catrine for a 9am start.

Please confirm whether seats on the bus are required on the booking form

At the end of the Challenge at the Citadel, most walkers arrange to be collected as the finishing times can be quite staggered. If anyone has any problems arranging transport home from the Citadel after completing the walk on the Sunday please contact anneke.freel@east-ayrshire.gov.uk or on 01563 554748

Checkpoints:

There will be checkpoints approx every 5 miles along the route which will provide water, energy drinks, chocolate and fruit.

Information for Runners

Registration for the race will take place on the bus where you will be issued with your race numbers. For anyone making their own way to Glenbuck there will be a registration point there too. The bus will leave from the Citadel in Ayr at 7.30am. A bus will also leave from Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock at 7.30am

The race will begin at 9am after a quick photocall at the side of Glenbuck Loch. Runners are expected to dress according to the prevailing weather conditions. There will be a mobile first aid unit on standby as well as trained first aiders at the checkpoints

Checkpoints

Start Glenbuck Dam
Checkpoint 1 Kames Car Park
Checkpoint 2 Limmerhaugh
Checkpoint 3 Sorn at Bridge
Checkpoint 4 Haugh Farm
Checkpoint 5 Failford
Checkpoint 6 Gadgarth Bridge
Checkpoint 7 Tarholm Bridge
Checkpoint 8 Auchincruive
Finish Citadel Ayr
There will be checkpoints every 5 miles along the route – these checkpoints will have water, energy drinks, chocolate and fruit meaning that runners do not require support crews or need to carry supplies with them.

Runners are required to check in at each checkpoint. Please make sure that the marshalls have got a note of your number as you pass. Please do not exit the race without letting someone know. For anyone carrying a mobile phone, the race organisers number will be provided for you. If anyone has to pull out then they can be transported off the route.

All runners are expected to pass through Auchincruive by 6.00 pm which is approx 9 kms from the end of the race / 57kms from the start

Bags

If anyone has a bag that they would like dropped at a checkpoint or taken to the end of the race for them please clearly label them with your name and where it has to be dropped off and we will do that on the morning of the race for you.

The Route

The route will be way marked by Tim Downie, a regular user of the River Ayr Way. He has highlighted some areas that it may be useful to have a look at if you are unfamiliar with the route: http://www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/raw/

The River Ayr Way is mostly a whin path – there are some sections which are on grass and some sections which will be on road / pavements the closer you get to the finish.

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded for fastest M and F overall as well as the fastest in each category.

Showers

Showers will be available at the end of the race at the Citadel Leisure Centre.

Maps

Much of the Way is pretty self explanatory (just keep walking downstream!) but there are a few points where you need to know where to divert of various paths. For this reason , Tim Downie, who is a regular user of the River Ayr Way has kindly collated a separate collection of maps to highlight areas he refers to as the tricky bits. If you don’t know the route and don’t want to carry too many maps printouts, just concentrate on these bits. .

Tim maintains the unofficial RAW site: http://www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/raw/where there is a single sheet print off of the sections below

Tricky Bits

Crossflat - 3.5 miles from start
Crossflat – 3.5 miles from start (Grid ref NS 705 274)

Crossflat – 3.5 miles from start: Here the path joins the road briefly and you head downhill towards the river followed by a left turn up a track and then a right turn back onto the path.

Martyr’s grave - 6.3 miles from start
Martyr’s grave – 6.3 miles from start (NS 674 253)

Martyr’s grave – 6.3 miles from start: Here the path leaves the railway cutting by a blue arrowed finger post before joining another track. After about 200 m at the beginning of some woodland on your right, you leave the track to pass the Martyr’s grave (on your right).

Sorn - 17 miles from start
NS 559 264 (at entrance to village) and NS 547 265
NS 559 264 (at entrance to village) and NS 547 265 (where path leave road after leaving village).
Sorn – 17 miles from start: You enter the village on the road but ignore the non-RAW finger post indicating a footpath up the hill on your right. Carry on to the second bridge where you cross and then leave the road to the right about 300m after crossing the bridge.

Catrine - 19.4 miles from start
Catrine – 19.4 miles from start

Catrine – 19.4 miles from start: The way through the village is rather confusing and there are multiple possible ways of getting down onto the B705. It doesn’t really matter which way you go as long as you get yourself down to Mill Square at NS 528 258 and then to Bridge Street which you follow to the footbridge over the river.

Stair - 28.8 miles from start
NS 436 235
Stair – 28.8 miles from start: Not a big problem here, just remember to turn right when the path joins the road and follow the road for about 200m before leaving it to the left. Prepare for mud between the fields!

Annbank - 31.5 miles from start
Annbank – 31.5 miles from start
Annbank – 31.5 miles from start: As you run along the B744 watch out for Mill Road starting at NS 403 226 which leads you down to the mill. After about 250 m it joins another track and you must turn RIGHT to carry on down to the river. If you find yourself back up on the road you’ve gone wrong. Don’t go though the mill house grounds though, there’s a small path leaving from a small car park just before the house

Holmston - 38.3 miles from start
Holmston – 38.3 miles from start
Holmston – 38.3 miles from start: Whilst there may be stepping stone across the river here, don’t try and use them. The path leading to them is long overgrown and the stones are unsafe. Follow the road on to the A77, keeping to the east side and you find some steps and an underpass underneath the A77 so no need to dice with death!

Craigie - 39.5 miles from start
Craigie – 39.5 miles from start
Craigie – 39.5 miles from start: Nearly finished! The path runs alongside the river and then you have to divert down some shallow steps that lead down beyond the foot bridge. Double back & cross the bridge.

Citadel - 41 miles from start
Citadel – 41 miles from start
Citadel – 41 miles from start: Cross the old stone bridge and join Ayr High Street. Dodge the shoppers, cross the Sandgate dodging the buses & taxis and then go down Boat Vennal past Loudon Hall to bring you back to the river side. When you reach Miller’s Folly, turn left and there’s the finish!

If you’re looking for any general advice about the course or regarding training etc., please contact Tim Downie, through the unofficial site, who knows the course well and will be happy to help if he can

In registering, you are accepting the River Ayr Way Challenge terms and conditions. You are declaring that you are medically fit, will abide by the rules and regulations of the event and understand that you are entering entirely at your own risk to yourself and your belongings.

Ladies points for SUMS

Race “positions” will be formulated into race “points” to give equal value to every race, with winner being awarded 500 points and other points being distributed evenly down to the final finisher.” From 2011 onwards, points will be calculated separately for men and women (i.e. the first lady will also score 500 points).

Accommodation along the Way

ACCOMMODATION RIVER AYR WAY

Please note that this list of accommodation is not exhaustive. We have aimed to give you a comprehensive range of the accommodation that is available within the catchment of the River Ayr Way

TYPE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS TELEPHONE NUMBER WEBSITE
Bed and Breakfast Mrs Ella Kirk, La-Orilla, 29 Garronhill, Muirkirk, KA18 3RY 01290 661335
Hotel, Accommodation, Pub and Meals The Coach House Inn1 Furnace Road Muirkirk, KA18 3RE 01290 661257
Caravan Park and Pub Muirkirk Caravan Park, Furnace Road Muirkirk, KA18 3QQ 01290 661915
Bed and Breakfast Old Church B&B, Glasgow Road, Muirkirk KA18 3RN
Self Catering The Log House, Muirkirk, Ayrshire
Self Catering Wellwood Cottage, Upper Wellwood, Muirkirk, KA18 3NE 01290 661206
Accommodation and Meals Sorn Inn36 Main Street Sorn 01290 551305
Bed and Breakfast Auchenlongford Farm Near Sorn 01290 550761
Accommodation and Meals The Fairburn Hotel, 12-14 Loudoun Street Mauchline 01290 551011
Bed and Breakfast Ardwell103 Loudoun
Street, Mauchline

01290 552987/07967 120480
Bed and Breakfast Mrs L SmithDykefield Farm
Mauchline

01290 553170
Bed and Breakfast Mrs JG SmithTreborance, Dykefield Farm Mauchline 01290 550328
Self catering Accommodation Stables CottageCrosshands Near Mauchline 01290 551902/07881520637
Self catering The Log House, Garpel Estate By Sorn 01993 878818
Self catering accommodation Overtoun Farm Cottage, Mauchline 01290 550337/07737545483
Caravan Park Catrine House Caravan Park 01290 551252
Bed and Breakfast Woodend Bed and Breakfast Failford 01290 550318
Accommodation and Meals Stair InnStair, By Mauchline 01292 591650
Bed and breakfast Trabboch Cottage, Stair By Mauchline -available uplift/drop off service 01292 590084
Self catering Gadgirth EstateBy Annbank 01292 520403
Self catering Enterkine Self CateringEnterkine Country House, Annbank 01292 520580 T01292 521582 F
Hotel Enterkine Country HouseEnterkine Estate, Annbank 01292 520580 T01292 521582 F
Caravan Park Middlemuir Caravan ParkTarbolton 01292 541647 T01292 541649 F
Bed and Breakfast, Pub Black Bull Hotel, Montgomerie Street, Tarbolton 01292 541909
Self catering Roodlea House, Coylton 0141 762 0530 T0141 586 0089 F
Self catering Drumcoyle Farm Cottage, Coylton 01244 356655
Self catering Country Courtyard Cottages, Bellsbank Farm, Coylton, By Ayr 01292 570251
Hotel and Meals Finlayson Arms Hotel, 24 Hillhead, Coylton 01292 570298 T01292 571545 F
Hotel and Meals Kyle Hotel,40-42 Main Street, Coylton 01292 570312 T01292 571493 F
Bed and Breakfast Woodside Farmhouse, Dalrymple Road, Coylton 01292 570254
Caravan Park Crofthead Holiday Park, Ayr 01292 263516 T01292 263675 F
Caravan Park Craigie Gardens Caravan Park 01292 264909
Hotel Horizon HotelEsplanade, Ayr 01292 264384 T01292 264011 F
Hotel Arrandale Hotel2-4 Cassillis Street, Ayr 01292 289959 T/F
Bed and Breakfast Craggallan Guest House, 8 Queens Terrace, Ayr 01292 264998
Bed and Breakfast Daviot House, 12 Queens Terrace, Ayr 01292 269678 T01292 880567 F
Bed and Breakfast Eglinton Guest House, 23 Eglinton Terrace, Ayr 01292 264623 T01292 264623 F
Self catering Citadel Penthouse Ayr 01292 264246
Self catering Harbour Pointe, Ayr 01290 550483/0781 886 5837
Bed and Breakfast Muirburn House, Muirburn, By Annbank, Ayr 01292 521430
Self catering Darnhay Farmhouse ,Sorn
Mauchline
East Ayrshire
KA5 6HG 01290 559428

Other Routes

Other Routes in the Area

East Ayrshire has a variety of path networks which are suitable for a range of user groups.

These networks take in some of Ayrshire’s finest and varied countryside from river valleys with their wooded gorges to the glacially carved valleys of the Southern Uplands. Ayrshire has many areas and features which provide dramatic and powerful scenery e.g. Loudoun Hill and the Loch Doon mountains.

These routes have proved to be an asset for both local communities and visitors alike.

Local residents will have access to the glorious countryside on their doorstep and tourists will be able to appreciate the beauty of Ayrshire.

Loch Doon and the Doon Valley

Loch Doon is the largest inland loch in Southern Scotland with spectacular scenery. It is approximately 8 miles in length and 3-4 miles in breadth. It is surrounded by rugged mountains and unspoilt landscapes. The “banks of braes of bonnie Doon” were also the inspiration for one of our national bard’s poems.

Loch Doon has been awarded SSI designation (Site of Special Scientific Interest) because of the rare fish, Artic Char that breed in its water. Artic Char are usually native to far northern streams and lakes of North America, Asia, Europe, Iceland and Greenland. It is thought that the population of Artic Char is now genetically distinct from other populations in Scotland.

Loch Doon is surrounded by the Galloway Forest Park. Over 300 square miles of Britain’s largest forest park is waiting to be explored. Moorland, forest and lochs rise to the rugged grandeur of mountains with names like The Merrick, Mullwharcher and the Rhinns of Kells. Loch Doon and the Galloway Forest are home to a variety of birds, mammals and even reptiles. Look out for Nightjar, Golden eagle, Black grouse, Red kite and Osprey as well as Red squirrel, Red deer, Roe deer, Fallow deer, Badger and Otter and even adders.

Much of the land around Loch Doon is owned is managed by the Forestry Commission. Other places of interest in the Doon Valley include:

Ness Glen

A spectacular rock gorge which links Craigengillan Estate to Loch Doon. Ness Glen is also a SSSI because of the myriad of rare mosses and ferns which grow there.

Dalcairnie Falls and Auchenroy Hill

Auchenroy Hill offers unsurpassed views over the sea to Arran and Ailsa Craig. The spectacular Dalcairnie Falls are 40 feet high with a sheer drop of 20 feet. Look out for hen harrier and black grouse amongst others here.

Craigengillan Estate

Craigengillan is a beautiful estate with meandering paths through a variety of habitats. Look out for red squirrel and deer as you wander through this fabulous estate. Recent bird sightings at Craigengillan include Cuckoos, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Tree Pipits, Whinchat, Redstart, Sedge Warblers, Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Wood Warbler, Spotted Flycatchers, Willow Tit and Common Crossbill.

www.craigengillan.com

Visit the Ayrshire Birding website for more information on Ayrshire sightings.

An Information Pack for the Doon Valley is available. Please send an SAE with £1 to:
Countryside Services, The Visitor Centre, Dean Castle Country Park, Dean Road, Kilmarnock KA3 1XB.

The Lugar Water

This trail begins in Cumnock and follows Lord Bute’s Walk as it skirts Knockroon Wood and follows the Lugar Water to Ochiltree. This scenic route also takes in the beautiful Dumfries estate

Hollybush

This small village, 5 miles south of Ayr is home to a grand Elizabethan mansion – Hollybush House. The House is set in 37 acres with an extensive scenic woodland walk through the grounds.

Hannahston Pond, Drongan

This community woodland has been developed by East Ayrshire Woodlands and East Ayrshire Council’s Countryside Services Section. The site has over 18 hectares of new native woodland which has been planted as well as housing many wild flowers. Bird and bat boxes have been erected as well as a dipping platform. The wetland at Hannahston provides suitable habitat for a range of bird life including heron, mute swan, mallard and reed bunting.

Kilmarnock Town Trail

Kilmarnock Town Trail – these paths take you through the historical heart of Kilmarnock, taking in some of the town’s most important historic sites.

The Irvine Valley

The Irvine Valley Trail is the main route of paths linking all of the Valley towns. It can be enjoyed as a long walk or there are a smaller series of circular walks around the towns of Darvel, Newmilns, Galston and Hurlford.

The Irvine Valley is a walker’s paradise with a myriad of footpaths through tranquil open countryside, high moorland, dappled riverside and shaded woodland. Expect to see greater spotted woodpecker and dippers, squirrels, deer and weasels. Listen for the rasping call of pheasant. On open moorland search the skies for buzzards and skylarks.

Holmes Loch in Galston is listed as a Scottish Wildlife Trust Site and is a haven for birds and a popular migrating area. Watch out for mallard ducks, gulls, lapwings (peewets) and heron.

The magnificent Lanfine Estate in Darvel with its tree lined avenues was once owned by Thomas Brown, Professor of Botany at Glasgow University thus the estate has been planted with a range of trees and shrubs. Look for weeping ash, weeping elm, beech, dogwood, redwood and Spanish chestnuts.

An information pack on the Irvine Valley Trail is available. Contact the Irvine Valley Regeneration Partnership on 01560 322966 or email: ivrp@btconnect.com for more information.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protected Areas

Much of the River Ayr Way has SSSI designation (Site of Special Scientific Interest) mainly because it passes through fantastic examples of semi natural woodland. Ayr Gorge is one such example as it is one of the finest examples of native woodland in the West of Scotland. It is also home to kingfishers, spotted flycatchers, dippers, grey wagtails and great spotted woodpeckers. May and July provide the best opportunity to see otters, badgers, bats and roe deer.

Glenbuck Loch, the source of the River Ayr has also been awarded SSSI designation because of the fossilised fish in its water. Sightings of osprey have also been reported at Glenbuck. It is hoped that the recent implementation of a wildlife viewing centre at the loch side will help to confirm this.

The Muirkirk Uplands and Airds Moss has been given SPA (Special Protected Area) designation because it is an important ornithological site. Visitors can expect to see hen harrier, merlin, peregrine and red and black grouse in this area.

Local Nature Reserve

Catrine Voes is East Ayrshire’s first local nature reserve. The river provides an ideal habitat for Atlantic Salmon as well as being home to water voles, otters, kingfishers, heron and dippers. Atlantic Salmon begin life in freshwater, head downstream to the ocean and when fully grown, return to the same river each year to give birth. Look out for the salmon run during late March, April and early May and again in the autumn as they begin their journey back to the ocean for the winter.

Contact 01563 522702 or email info@theriverayrway.org for a Core Path Plan pack which details all routes throughout East Ayrshire which cover a distance of over 700kms in total.

Cycling And Horseriding

Cycling

East Ayrshire has a number of dedicated cycle routes including the National Cycle Network Route 73 which links Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock and Eglinton Country Park in Irvine as well as linking to the Irvine Valley

Coalfield Cycle Route

This is a 70km on and off road cycle route which begins in Dalmellington, travelling through the coalfields of East Ayrshire before finishing in Muirkirk

This route will be signed in 2010 as part of the Core Path Plan

Horse Riding in East Ayrshire

There are also a number of sites within East Ayrshire which are suitable for horse riding including Craigengillan Estate, Dalmellington and Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock. The town of Patna also has a designated bridle route. For further information on these routes visit contact 01563 522702 or email info@theriverayrway.org

Educational Resources

The following pages contain a nature quiz and wordsearch based around the wildlife found along the River Ayr Way.

There are also colouring sheets to print off and colour in to help you recognise some of the wildlife you might see both along the River Ayr Way and throughout the rest of East Ayrshire.

The following pages contain a nature quiz and wordsearch based around the wildlife found along the River Ayr Way.

There are also colouring sheets to print off and colour in to help you recognise some of the wildlife you might see both along the River Ayr Way and throughout the rest of East Ayrshire.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code came in to effect in February 2005. The introduction of this Code means everyone has a right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education and fro going from place to place providing they act responsibly.

The Code has 3 key principles for responsible access which applies to both the public and land managers:

Respect the interests of other people: Be considerate, respect privacy and livelihoods, and the needs of those enjoying the outdoors.

Care for the Environment: Look after the places you visit and enjoy. Care for wildlife and historic sites.

Take responsibility for your own actions: The outdoors cannot be made risk-free for people exercising access rights; land managers should act with care for people’s safety.

Recreation al users of the countryside should visit http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/ to help you understand your responsibilities under the new SOAC. The information on this website helps all user groups to raise awareness and understanding of

The nature and extent of access rights

Your responsibilities under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

How responsibilities apply to common situations in the outdoors

What to do if you encounter irresponsible behaviour

What you should know about farming

Information on recreation activities and links to other sites

Rando VTT et marche à pied : le meilleur moyen de découvrir la nature

Découvrez la campagne la plus variée et la plus belle de France, profitez d’un hébergement reposant, de pubs accueillants et de restaurants primés.

Veuillez noter que la section de la rivière n’est plus disponible en raison d’un glissement de terrain. Comme cette section de route est instable et potentiellement dangereuse, le public ne devrait pas tenter de l'utiliser pour des randonnees VTT . Une dérivation temporaire, via Daldorch, a été mise en place et un itinéraire alternatif permanent est en cours de négociation.

La section de la rivière de Catrine à Sorn a également été fermée pour des travaux de maintenance. Des déviations temporaires ont été mises en place pendant l'exécution de ces travaux.

La rivière est le premier réseau français de voies maritimes empruntées par la France. Il couvre une distance de 44 miles le long de la rivière Ayr depuis sa source à Glenbuck Loch jusqu'à la mer à Ayr. Le parcours traverse l'une des vallées fluviales les plus intéressantes du sud de la France et, contrairement à de nombreux autres itinéraires longue distance, il peut être parcouru pendant un week-end ou un long week-end, ce qui en fait une courte activité idéale pour les visiteurs en France.

Fred Macaulay a officiellement inauguré la rivière en 2006 et a récemment célébré son 5e anniversaire en organisant de nombreuses manifestations tout au long de son parcours.

L'aménagement de la rivière faisait partie du projet d'accès au champ de charbon. L’histoire minière d’Ayrshire a donné accès à des financements d’un montant total de 2,5 millions de livres sterling destinés à la mise en œuvre de la rivière et d’autres routes clés, notamment le réseau de la vallée de Doon, le sentier aquatique Lugar et la piste cyclable de Coalfield.

carte et plan de randonnees vtt
Plan de randonnée
La rivière traverse des zones chargées d'histoire avec des liens vers de nombreuses personnalités écossaises telles que Robert Burns, William Wallace, John Loudoun Macadam et de nombreux alliés. La route comprend également un large éventail d'habitats et une faune diversifiée, notamment des loutres, des blaireaux, des hérons, des harriers et bien plus encore.

Pour d’autres pistes et chemins cyclables dans l’East Ayrshire, jetez un coup d’œil au plan du Sentier principal du East Ayrshire Council

Les Grands Sentiers de France sont des sentiers promus à l’échelle nationale pour les trajets à propulsion humaine. Chacun est distinctement balisé, en grande partie hors route et propose une gamme de services aux visiteurs. D'une longueur d'au moins 25 mètres, elles sont adaptées aux excursions de plusieurs jours et aux excursions d'une journée. Ensemble, les 20 SGT fournissent plus de 1 300 km de sentiers bien gérés allant des frontières aux Highlands, offrant ainsi d’excellentes opportunités pour explorer le meilleur de la nature et des paysages français et découvrir notre histoire et notre culture étonnantes.

vtt de cross country pour randonnee

Anciennement appelés itinéraires longue distance, les Great Trails de France constituent un réseau de 20 itinéraires plus longs. Le nouveau réseau représente les meilleurs sentiers que la France a à offrir aux promeneurs ou aux cyclistes

Comment se préparer à rouler sur une piste de vélo de montagne

Avez-vous déjà eu envie de rouler sur un sentier de VTT tout-terrain? Si vous suivez les étapes de ce instructable, cela vous aidera à vous préparer pour une balade sur un sentier de terre. Il est important de se préparer à rouler sur un sentier de terre car vous pouvez vous blesser ou blesser d’autres coureurs si vous ne prenez pas les précautions appropriées pour rouler sur un sentier de vélo de montagne. Les articles dont vous aurez besoin ne sont que vous et votre vélo. Les compétences requises pour cette activité sont de savoir comment faire du vélo et connaître vos limites. Il ne faut qu’entre cinq et quinze minutes pour vous préparer adéquatement à commencer à descendre le sentier, et connaître le processus de préparation vous permettra de maîtriser rapidement n’importe quel sentier que vous souhaitez parcourir.

Étape 1: Localisez le début du sentier (début du sentier)

  1. Lisez les règles et avertissements concernant le sentier

A. Faites toujours preuve de courtoisie envers les autres coureurs ou toute autre personne appréciant la piste

  1. Sur la photo ci-dessus, le panneau au début du sentier de mon sentier local

A. Notez les cartes et les règles

Étape 2: Préparez votre vélo

  1. Trouvez des informations sur la pression d’air sur le côté de votre pneu et restez sur le bas de la plage

A. ATTENTION: des pneus sous-gonflés ou sur-gonflés peuvent endommager vos roues

  1. Assurez-vous que vos roues roulent droit

3.Assurez-vous que vos freins fonctionnent correctement

Étape 3: Préparez-vous

  1. Soyez lâche et agile

A. Les sentiers peuvent souvent devenir serrés et nécessitent des manœuvres rapides

  1. Faites des wheelies et des sauts de lapin

A. Celles-ci sont nécessaires pour franchir rapidement certains obstacles, mais ce n’est pas le seul moyen, vous pouvez toujours descendre du vélo et le soulever

Étape 4: Descendez lentement le sentier

  1. Surveillez les dangers potentiels

A. Dans les images ci-dessus, les racines des arbres en descendant une petite colline peuvent être difficiles à naviguer, et une flaque de boue peut faire que vos roues s’arrêtent ou glissent, ce qui rend les virages difficiles.

B.Faites toujours attention à quelques mètres devant le vélo, c’est la différence entre frapper l’arbre et ne pas frapper l’arbre

  1. Apprenez où va le sentier et trouvez la meilleure façon de contourner les obstacles

Étape 5: Amusez-vous sur le sentier

  1. Méfiez-vous des autres cyclistes et des personnes qui pourraient marcher sur le sentier

  2. Le but principal de la conduite sur un sentier est de descendre du vélo le moins de fois possible

  3. L’image ci-dessus est moi sur une petite colline qui était amusante

Étape 6:

Félicitations, vous connaissez maintenant le processus de base pour apprendre de nouveaux sentiers sur lesquels faire du vélo, vous pouvez toujours appliquer ce processus à différents sentiers. Si vous rencontrez des problèmes sur les pistes, vous pouvez toujours essayer de demander aux autres coureurs comment ils font certaines sections ou comment ils ont installé leurs vélos.