Best walks from Irvine

Irvine Station to Kilmarnock Station

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.

14km.

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.

Lunch stop: the Brae.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Irvine Station to Troon Station

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.

11km. Moderate ascents.

Lengthy sections of soft sand make for challenging walking.

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

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Kilwinning Station to Irvine Station

Mostly a well-marked tarmac cycle path (NCN Route 7) beside the Rivers Garnock and Irvine, with a wooded riverside path and an underpass or two. Some compressed earth and gravel and plus a short stretch of quiet road with no pavement and some steps at the Kilwinning start. Follows National Cycle Network Route 7/73 for most of its length, passing the Garnock Floods nature reserve. Mostly wheelchair accessible apart from the Kilwinning start.

Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.

An infestation of giant hogweed grows close to the path beyond the recycling centre; it has a nasty sting, so avoid touching it. The short Kilwinning start has steps and a narrow path off the cycle route (bypassable via NCN7), plus a brief stretch of pavement-less road. Several road crossings near Irvine, particularly at Sandy Road/B779.

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

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Saltcoats Station to Irvine Station

13km. Moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Stevenston Station to Irvine Station

Easy: 10km, moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Irvine Station to Stewarton Station

Follows a busy and twisting road.

14km. Moderate ascents.

Busy, twisty road; likely unsuitable as a walking route.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route