Walks you can reach from Glengarnock 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.

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.

Recommended: Ayrshire Coastal Path with a 1.6-mile inland walk to the station.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Recommended: Wonderful views out across the Firth of Clyde to the islands and the Cowal Peninsula. Walks almost entirely on quiet tarmacked back lanes with verges and hedges full of wild flowers and well above the busy coast road. Easy going overall with a few quite steep uphill sections. Wemyss Bay has one of the most beautiful railway stations in the country.

Lunch: No facilities along the way (other than a bus stop north of Skelmorlie Bridge); cafe and toilets at Wemyss Bay and plenty at Largs.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Reverse direction: Railwalks.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

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.

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

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

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Coast path — Ayrshire Coastal Path all the way.

Walk details: Railwalks.