Walks from West Kilbride

Recommended: Great route, outstanding views throughout. Tarmac and packed-earth paths through woodland and a glen, a short grassy stretch behind houses, a more challenging section through dunes and a multi-use path beside the A78. Finishes on streets down to the harbour. There are lovely views across to Arran, Goat Fell and Ailsa Craig; you can choose to walk on the beach to get further from the traffic.

Coastal: three quarters along the coast.

Time: 2h–4h30

1 end-of-walk reward: the Moka

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a sixth of the walk. The path through the dunes behind the holiday park is a little more challenging underfoot.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

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

Walk details: Railwalks.

Coast path — Ayrshire Coastal Path all the way.

Coastal: four fifths along the coast.

Time: 3h30–6h30

Walk details: Railwalks.

Time: 3h–5h30

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

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Beautiful scenery. Pavements and coastal footpaths out of Largs, then mostly tarmac forest tracks and estate roads inland, with sections of foot/cycle path beside the A78. Easy walking surfaces throughout and with a final uphill stretch on Drummilling Road. A tidal lagoon along the route is full of birdlife. The author has not walked it on the ground.

Coastal: three fifths along the coast.

Time: 3h30–7h

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a third of the walk. The route crosses the busy A78 twice with no formal pedestrian crossings; take care. Drummilling Road into West Kilbride has no verge and blind summits and corners, so walk with care.

Walk details: Slow Ways.