Walking and cycling

Walking and cycling along the paths, over the hillsides, and through the villages of Ayrshire is the only way to experience the real Ayrshire. A number of safe and convenient footpaths and cycleways are available in South Ayrshire.

Please respect South Ayrshire’s countryside and the many people who rely on it for their livelihood.

Remember - March to May each year is lambing time.

Ewes and lambs are very vulnerable at first – mums can easily lose their babies if scared or disturbed by people or dogs. Lost lambs can die very quickly. Please choose to walk trails which do not go through fields of livestock at this time of the year.

Take your litter home, or put it in a bin.

Clear up your dog’s mess.

Walking, Cycling and Horse Riding Routes

• Annbank and Mossblown paths
• Download the Bridle path leaflet
• Ayr Active Travel Hub for information on walking and cycling route planning and commuting - activetravelhubayr@gmail.com or Tel: 07970 709925
• Map of cycle routes in and around South Ayrshire
• Download the latest information
• Find out about the Local Walking Groups
• View a map of key environmental and conservation information for South Ayrshire including local footpaths and cycle routes
• Find out about the Smugglers' Trail route
• Find out about other walking routes in South Ayrshire.
• Walking route leaflets available from South Ayrshire Council.
  • Barr Trails leaflet
  • Dailly Trails leaflet
  • Girvan Walks leaflet
  • Paths Around Maybole
  • Paths Around Troon
  • Straiton Paths leaflets
  • The Smugglers Trail leaflet
  • SNH Ayr leaflet
• Find out about historic walks in Troon
• Find out about Troon Industrial Walk
• FInd out about bridle paths

For more information on walking view VisitScotland's guide to walking in Ayrshire & Arran.

For more information on cycling view VisitScotland's guide to cycling in Scotland.

Ayrshire Coastal Path

The Ayrshire Coastal Path runs for 100 miles between Glenapp in South Ayrshire and Skelmorlie in North Ayrshire, passing through towns and villages on the way. The path was created and is maintained by the Rotary Club of Ayr, using volunteer labour – the Pathminders Team. Ayr Rotary Club has produced a route guidebook, with all proceeds being donated to local and overseas Rotary Charity work.

River Ayr Way

The River Ayr Way is Scotland’s first source to sea path, which begins at Glenbuck and follows the river for 44 miles to the sea at Ayr, passing through some of Ayrshire’s most stunning and varied scenery, from open remote moorland to shaded river gorges. It is jointly managed by East Ayrshire Leisure Trust and South Ayrshire Council. Find out more

Both of these routes are recognised and included as Scotland's Great Trails

South Ayrshire Paths Initiative

If you are interested in finding out more about community projects, and other walking/ cycling routes, why not visit the South Ayrshire Paths Initiative website at https://southayrshirepaths.org.uk/ .

Wheelchair Accessible Walks

Some paths within South Ayrshire are accessible by wheelchair in normal weather conditions.

Barony Hill Path, within the Dailly Trails Network, stretching from Main Street, Dailly (opposite the Primary School), eastwards along the south/east bank of the Water of Girvan, northwards across the artist-designed bridge over the River, then eastwards along the north bank of the River to the footbridge near Dalquharran Castle.

Ayr, Prestwick Girvan and Troon promenades, as well as paths through Belleisle, Rozelle, Craigie and other public parks and parts of Fullarton Woods, Troon