Horse racing Scotland, Ayr racecourse, walking, fishing, shooting, Ayr walks, Brig of Doon, Burns Country, Scotland

Other Activities in Ayrshire

Walking & Cycling

If you're into walking, cycling and the great outdoors, Ayrshire and the Isles of Arran and Cumbrae are great places to bring your walking boots and bikes and head off into the open countryside.

But you don't have to be a hardened enthusiast to take advantage of what's on offer. Walkers have a choice of hillwalking and rambling while Arran poses greater challenges of ridge walking, mountaineering and the Coastal Way.

Anyone looking for gentler pace, though, will find it in the form of numerous nature trails, coastal walks and waymarked country paths. There are easy walks to well known local landmarks and seasonal ranger-led walks from some of Ayrshire and Arran's country parks.

Ayrshire shares the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and the Galloway Forest Park with neighbouring counties and both provide a beautiful setting for walking or cycling.

The National Cycling Network has routes in Ayrshire passing through some of the most scenic countryside and making use of off the road tracks and waterside paths wherever possible.

Coastal

The sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde make a wonderful playground for anyone who loves being on or beside the sea. The estuary has that magical west coast of Scotland feel, but getting there is so quick you can spend more time relaxing instead of travelling. That means a few more hours to stroll along a wide beach, dodging each wave as it wets the golden sand a little higher. Or an extra day to point your bow towards distant hills while crystal clear water slides under your hull.

As befits an area with a world-class reputation for yachting, Ayrshire boasts three superb marinas: at Largs, Ardrossan and Troon. All three are accessible at any state of the tide and offer berths for visiting and resident yachts as well as charters for competent sailors. They are the gateway to a whole world of different seascapes. Within a few hours sailing you’ll discover lochs and islands, fishing villages and Victorian resorts, and peaceful anchorages in wooded bays or near welcoming hostelries.

The Islands

The Isle of Arran, known as 'Scotland in Miniature', is one of the most southerly Scottish islands. Like a condensed version of the rest of Scotland, it has mountains and lochs in the north, and rolling hills and meadows in the south, surrounded by a stunning coastline.
It has a distillery, castles, a brewery, museums, outdoor activities, high quality local crafts and locally produced food that's fast gaining an international reputation.

The Isle of Cumbrae, along with Arran and Bute, became part of Scotland in 1263. Alexander the Third defeated the Norse King Haco at the Battle of Largs. The island is extremely rich in bird species.
Cumbrae is a paradise for cyclists. The 10.25 mile circumference provides breathtaking scenery from quiet winding roads and the more hilly inner route provides the more adventurous with stunning panoramas over the firth. There are several shops in Millport where all types of cycle can be rented for all ages.