River Ayr Way
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 66 kms | 2 days | 0 metres | Explorer 327 & 328: Ayr & Glenbuck |
Description
The River Ayr Way is a waymarked 66km route from source, at Glenbuck near Muirkirk, to sea (at Ayr) which takes in some of Ayrshire's most stunning scenery. It also passes by or through seven community networks which fall within the catchment area of the river. Each of these communities will have their own unique interpretation including Scotland's first village audio tour in Muirkirk which looks at the village's associations with the Covenanters, John Loudoun Macadam and Bill Shankley to name a few.
The River Ayr Way was officially opened on Saturday 10th June 2006 by Fred Macaulay and is set to be a huge asset for visitors to the area. The route can be walked over either 2 or 3 days, depending on individual fitness levels.
Whilst walking the River Ayr Way, look out for a huge variety of wildlife including otters, heron, buzzards, oyster catchers, hen harriers and deer. The route also allows visitors to discover more about William Wallace, Alexander Peden, Robert Burns and David Dale.
The River Ayr Way is being developed as part of the Coalfield Access Project - a £2.5m supported by 14 different funders which aims to open up 358km of path network in Ayrshire. Other routes include - the Doon Valley Network, the Scottish Coal Cycle Route and the Lugar Water network.
Access Info
By Car from Kilmarnock Town Centre: Leave Kilmarnock's one way system head out along Queens Drive. Go straight through mini roundabout and straight through the next mini roundabout. At Bellfield rounadbout take the 3rd exit on to the A76 (signposted Kilmarnock) Continue along Kilmarnock Road - A76, entering Mauchline. Continue straight through traffic lights. At Templeton roundabout take the 2nd exit on to the A76 (signposted Dumfries) At Dettingen roundabout take the 1st exit on to the A70 (signposted Cumnock, Edinburgh).
Reaching Cumnock take the turn off for Muirkirk, Edinburgh. Continue along the road until reaching Muirkirk. Go straight through the traffic lights and stay on the road for approx 3 miles to reach Glenbuck where the walk starts.
The walk is signposted on the left hand side of the road. Parking is available.
By Bus: Take the X76 service to Muirkirk. This leaves Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow and passes through Kilmarnock, Hurlford, Mauchline, Catrine, Auchinleck and Cumnock before arriving in Muirkirk. Times of this bus may vary. Contact Stagecoach for further information on timetables on 01292 613 700 or contact Traveline on 0870 608 2608.
Additional Info
The River Ayr Way 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.
Catrine Voes which is a scheduled ancient monument and is also East Ayrshire's first local nature reserve.
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. The site is now one of the top 10 most important 'Cup and Ring' sites in Britain.
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.
More Info
A detailed information pack about the River Ayr Way is available. These cost £3.99 (2006 prices) 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 are also available through Ayr Tourist Information Centre, South Ayrshire bookshop, 26 Green Street, Ayr, Dean Castle Country Park?s Visitor Centre and East Ayrshire libraries.
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 place
