The Coalfield Access Project is a £2.5m project which aims to implement 358km of path network by 2006.
Scotland's first source to sea path network, The River Ayr Way, has been developed as part of this project. The River Ayr Way is a 66km (44m) route which runs from its source at Glenbuck to the sea at Ayr and passes through some of Ayrshire’s most stunning scenery and sites of interest including:
The stunning Sorn Castle which dates from the 14th century and was the ancient seat of the Campbells of Loudoun.
Catrine Voes which is a scheduled ancient monument and is East Ayrshire's first local nature reserve.
Ballochmyle Viaduct, which when completed in 1848, was the world’s largest masonry span arch. Carved into the sandstone nearby are Cup and Ring markings, dating between the Neolithic and early Bronze Age. The site is now one of the top 10 most important ‘Cup and Ring’ sites in Britain.
Ayr Gorge at Failford is a beautiful Scottish Wildlife Trust woodland reserve with associations with many famous Scots including Robert Burns, Highland Mary, and Alexander Peden.
The route was officially opened on Saturday 10th June by Fred Macaulay who set off 100 walkers all aiming to complete the route in its entirety over 2 days.
A detailed information pack about the River Ayr Way is now available. These packs cost £3.99 and can be obtained from The Outdoor Access Unit, Dean Castle Country Park, Dean Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 1XB. Cheques should be made payable to East Ayrshire Council. Packs can also be obtained through Dean Castle's Visitor Centre, East Ayrshire libraries or Ayr Tourist Information Centre.
Please note that there is still some minor construction taking place on the River Ayr Way. The route is walkable from source to sea at present and way marking is in place.
Other routes which are still being developed as part of this project are:
The Scottish Coal Cycle Route – a 66km route between Dalmellington and Coalburn which will be in place by early 2007.
The Lugar Water – this links Ochiltree and Drongan to the River Ayr Way as well as providing walks around the beautiful Auchinleck Estate.
The Doon Valley Network – this route links Dalmellington, Patna, Waterside and Rankinston as well as providing links to important sites such as Loch Doon and the Galloway Forest. Some path construction is still taking place on this route. Most sections are complete and way marked. A comprehensive information pack is available. Contact the Outdoor Access Unit on 01563 554753 for further details
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