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

Use this link to read a recent blog by a River Ayr Way walker: http://trailwalker32.wordpress.com/category/long-distance-paths/river-ayr-way/

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