Scotland's First Source to Sea Path Network Open!
The River Ayr Way, Scotland's first source to sea path network, is now open. This much anticipated route has been under construction for 2 years as part of East Ayrshire Council's Coalfield Access Project which is a £2.5m project to develop long distance path networks in East Ayrshire.
The River Ayr Way is a 66 km (44 mile) route which runs from its source at Glenbuck to the sea at Ayr and passes through some of Ayrshire's most stunning scenery and sites of interest including the stunning Sorn Castle which dates from the 14th century and was the ancient seat of the Campbells of Loudoun, Ballochmyle Viaduct, which when completed in 1848, was the world's largest masonry span arch. Carved into the sandstone nearby are Cup and Ring markings, dating between the Neolithic and early Bronze Age, and Ayr Gorge at Failford is a beautiful Scottish Wildlife Trust woodland reserve with associations with many famous Scots including Robert Burns, Highland Mary, and Alexander Peden.
The route was officially opened on Saturday 10th June by Fred Macaulay who set off 100 walkers all aiming to complete the route in its entirety over 2 days. Everyone had a fantastic (but tiring) time and all who participated in the opening weekend agreed that the River Ayr Way is set to be a huge asset for Ayrshire.
A detailed information pack about the River Ayr Way is now available. These packs cost £3.99 and can be obtained from The Outdoor Access Unit, Dean Castle Country Park, Dean Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 1XB. Cheques should be made payable to East Ayrshire Council. Packs should be more widely available in the forthcoming weeks. Please note that there is still some construction taking place on the River Ayr Way. The route is walkable from source to sea at present and way marking is in placee
