THE AYRSHIRE AND ARRAN COASTAL PATHS
by Keith Fergus
2 POLICE SQUARE, MILNTHORPE, CUMBRIA LA7 7PY
About the Author
Keith Fergus is a passionate walker, writer and photographer. His writing on the outdoors, Scottish history and the Scottish language – combined with his striking imagery – has been published in a variety of national magazines, newspapers, calendars and brochures. He also has three photographic books to his name.
Keith has walked all over Scotland, with the mountains and coast particular favourites. Growing up in Glasgow the Ayrshire coast was the most natural (and nearest) place to visit and the best place to enjoy his passions of walking and photography; it still ranks high among his favourite destinations. Over 30 years of visiting and exploring means he has an intimate knowledge of the region, its incredible history, diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
Passionate about the outdoors and the crucial role it plays – particularly in modern life – Keith is never happier than when wandering along a mountain ridge or across a secluded beach. He also runs his own photographic business and photo library, which, under the banner of Scottish Horizons www.scottishhorizons.co.uk, produces a range of postcards, greetings cards and calendars. He lives with his wife and two children on the outskirts of Glasgow and is a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild.
© Keith Fergus 2011
First Edition 2011
ISBN 978 1 85284 632 9
Printed in China on behalf of Latitude Press Ltd.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
All photographs are by the author.
Advice to Readers
Readers are advised that, while every effort is made by our authors to ensure the accuracy of guidebooks as they go to print, changes can occur during the lifetime of an edition. Please check Updates on this book's page on the Cicerone website (www.cicerone.co.uk) before planning your trip. We would also advise that you check information about such things as transport, accommodation and shops locally. Even rights of way can be altered over time. We are always grateful for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground, sent by email to [email protected] or by post to Cicerone, 2 Police Square, Milnthorpe LA7 7PY, United Kingdom.
Front cover: Looking across the Firth of Clyde to Arran from the summit of The Knock (Day 11)
CONTENTS
Day 3 Girvan to Dunure
Day 4 Dunure to Troon
Day 5 Troon to Ardrossan
ARRAN
Day 6 Brodick to Lochranza
Day 7 Lochranza to Blackwaterfoot
Day 8 Blackwaterfoot to Kildonan
Day 9 Kildonan to Brodick
AYRSHIRE
Day 10 Ardrossan to Largs
Day 11 Largs to Skelmorlie
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Accommodation
Appendix C Public transport options
Appendix D Useful information
Goat Fell rises majestically above Brodick Bay (Day 6)
The beautiful clear waters below Turnberry Lighthouse (Day 3)
INTRODUCTION