Leisure

CYCLING

Cycle Routes

Many of the paths in Ayrshire are suitable for cycling as well as walking but there are also dedicated cycle lanes and paths meaning that Ayrshire is well served for cyclists. Two of the National Cycle Network routes also pass through the area.

The National Cycle Network is a comprehensive network of safe and attractive routes to cycle throughout the UK. 10,000 miles are due for completion by 2005, one third of which will be on traffic free paths. The rest will follow quiet lanes of traffic calmed roads and is co-ordinated by the charity Sustrans.

Dean Castle Country Park now has a link route which joins it to the National Cycle Network Route 73. This route provides access from Kilmarnock to Ardrossan and Route 7 passes through the Galloway Forest near Maybole.

The Scottish Coal Cycle Route is currently being implemented. This will be a long distance cycle route of 66km between the town of Dalmellington and Coalburn. It is a partnership project with East Ayrshire Council, Scottish Coal, Forest Enterprise and South Lanarkshire Council. The Scottish Coal Cycle Route will be in place by early 2007.

The following map gives details of the current cycle lanes/paths within Kilmarnock town centre