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Wooden wildlife hide looking across Glenbuck Loch - the start of the River Ayr Way

The River Ayr Way is Scotland's first source to sea path network which passes through some of Ayrshire's most fantastic scenery making it a unique experience for walkers.

This development was part of the 2006 £2.5m Coalfield Access Project and it was supported by 13 different funders, making it one of our largest externally funded projects.

Ayrshire’s mining past was the key to this project as it allowed access to funding programmes aimed at the regeneration of former coalfields.

The route

The route begins at Glenbuck, home of Bill Shankly and follows the river for around 66 kilometres (41 miles) to the sea at Ayr.

Over 140,000 use the River Ayr Way each year from all across the globe. There are a number of events along the River Ayr Way throughout the year but the River Ayr Way Challenge ultra-marathon is the most challenging event.

Feedback from visitors

"Congratulations on the initiative and the outcome of the River Ayr Way. The parts that we walked were excellent, beautiful and with variety."

"It has diverse plant and wildlife - ever-changing throughout the seasons. As one progresses downstream, the ever-changing topography, geology and agricultural scenery is full of interest and there are many industrial/historical references."

Further information

An information pack on the River Ayr Way is available from:

  • Dean Castle Country Park Visitor Centre, Kilmarnock
  • East Ayrshire libraries
  • Ayr Tourist Information Centre

Find out more at East Ayrshire Leisure: The River Ayr Way.

Contact Information

Cultural and Countryside Services (East Ayrshire Leisure Trust)
The Palace Theatre
9 Green Street
Kilmarnock
East Ayrshire
KA1 3BN
Telephone: 01563 554902