Walks you can reach from Barassie by train

Recommended: Predominantly flat and on good surfaces, following riverside paths along the River Irvine and Annick Water and then a long straight former-railway cycle track and a few kilometres of farmland. Makes good use of underpasses; well signed as cycle route 73. Follows National Cycle Route 73 and is suitable for cycling. The riverside is tucked away through trees and grassland and is rich in nature.

Time: 3h30–7h30

1 lunch spot: the Brae

Warnings: Building work near the river at the Irvine end means some areas are cordoned off; the riverside route itself is unaffected. Giant hogweed grows beside the path in places and should be avoided as it has a nasty sting.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Country lanes, tracks and field paths through farmland and woodland and with a particularly fine wooded stretch through Dundonald. One straight field section can be very muddy and is best bypassed. The Colennan-to-Dundonald section is part of the official Smugglers Trail. Dundonald Woods is an SSSI.

Time: 4h30–9h

Warnings: The section between Newfield Mains and Rowanhill runs through the middle of a livestock field and is very muddy even in dry weather and impassable when wet; continue via East Lodge and Cherryknowe instead.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Stunning views to Arran. A scenic dunes-and-beach route: sandy paths through the dunes (tough going), a long stretch of beach with a few drainage channels to cross and then mown grass and pavement past the marina into Troon. Beautiful and varied with just enough challenge. Possible at high tide; in windy conditions you can walk in the dunes nearer Irvine.

Coastal: almost all along the coast.

Time: 3h–6h

Lunch: No facilities along the way; plenty at either end.

Warnings: Lengthy sections of soft sand make for challenging walking.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 4h30–9h

Warnings: Follows a busy road for three fifths of the walk.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 3h30–7h30

Warnings: Follows a busy road for three fifths of the walk.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 3h–6h30

Warnings: Follows a busy road for half of the walk.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 3h30–7h

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Coastal: half along the coast.

Time: 2h30–5h

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Coastal: three fifths along the coast.

Time: 6h30–13h

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Mainly winding country roads bordered by woodland and farmland, with no pavement for almost the whole stretch, then a former railway line crossing a tall viaduct and a packed-soil riverbank path near Kilwinning. Wild-flower verges and several restored old buildings. The disused railway section is part of the Garnock Valley Cycle Route.

Time: 2h–4h30

Warnings: There is no pavement for virtually the whole road section, so take care on the winding country lanes. The riverbank path near Kilwinning is poor underfoot; an easy estate-road alternative exists. Cross Lauchlan Way carefully as there is no pedestrian crossing.

Walk details: Slow Ways.