DAY 107 - AYR TO DUNURE - Walking Scotlands Coast

DAY 107

WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH, 2016

AYR TO DUNURE

8 MILES 3.0 HOURS

MORRIS, PHIL AND BILL

DISTANCE WALKED SO FAR 1466 MILES

After another first class evening meal and a good night’s sleep we enjoyed breakfast, packed the car and drove to Ayr. The weather forecast for the day indicated it could be wet later in the afternoon so we decided to end the day’s walk at Dunure where we could get a local service bus back to Ayr. This would also give us an early start to the journey home helping us miss the rush hour traffic in Edinburgh. We parked the car on the south side of Ayr at Doonfoot and made our way down to the sea at the Doon Bridge. It was again overcast but a bit warmer than the previous two days. Crossing the Doon Bridge we made our way out of Ayr on the Ayrshire Coastal Path. Underfoot conditions were good, (grass or firm sand), as we headed passed the ruins of Greenan Castle (also known as Doonfoot Castle). We continued at the sea edge passed the caravan park. Ahead the ‘Heads of Ayr’ particularly Bower Hill dominated the coastal view. As we approached we could see that the tide was sufficiently out to allow us safe passage below the cliffs round into Bracken Bay. Our luck ran out here as we could see the waves lapping over the path ahead and we had no option but head inland up the steep hill, on the signposted path. At the top of the hill at a small caravan park the path joins a disused railway line. We opted to follow the line of the trees at the top of the steps and joined the disused railway path at the high point above the south end of Bracken Bay. From here we made our way back down towards the sea. Near to Drumbain the path took us down some steep steps back to the rocky sea edge. The tide was close in at this point and we had to pick our way carefully round or over the rocks. This challenging stretch did not last long and soon we were again walking on grass below Fisherton and we had an easy walk into Dunure. After an enjoyable plate of soup, tea and cake in the Dunure coffee shop we caught the local bus back to the car at Doonfoot.

Summary; Another easy walk with one or two uphills.

Highs; More interesting walk than previous two days. Some nice views and beaches.

Lows; None

ACCOMMODATION

Our accommodation for the two nights of this trip was at the excellent South Beach Hotel in Troon.

We were booked in on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at £70. Per person per night. We each had a lovely double bedded, en suite room (bath and shower). Unlike other places we have stayed there was no ‘reduced’ menu for d.b&b guests and we were able to pick from the full restaurant menu. We all agreed this was by far the best food we have had anywhere on our entire coast walk. The menu was varied and the quality food beautifully cooked and presented. The hotel is very clean, comfortable and the owners and their staff are exceptionally helpful and friendly. Fantastic value for money and highly recommended by all of us.

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