Croy Shore lies at the bottom of a steep lane off the A719 coast road, almost exactly at the Electric Brae — which is why most people arrive here having just watched their car roll uphill.
It is a long, gently curving sandy beach with rocky outcrops at either end, backed by low cliffs and fields, and it is usually near-empty. Given that it sits between Ayr and Culzean on one of Scotland's prettiest coast roads, that is remarkable.
What it is good for
Rock pools. The outcrops at both ends hold excellent pools at low tide — anemones, crabs, small fish and a good deal of weed. This is the best rock pooling within half an hour of Girvan and it will occupy children for as long as you let it.
Space. At low tide the sand is wide and firm, good for walking, and there is room for a ball game without being near anyone.
The view. Arran sits across the water, with the Heads of Ayr to the north and the Carrick coast running south. It faces west, so the evening light is the good light.
The Ayrshire Coastal Path runs along the shore here, so you can walk north towards Dunure or south towards Culzean.
Practical notes
The access lane is steep and narrow with limited parking at the bottom — a caravan or a large motorhome is a bad idea, and on a hot summer weekend the space fills. There are no facilities of any kind: no toilets, no shop, no café. The nearest are at Dunure, two miles north, which has toilets, a play park, a café and a pub.
There are no lifeguards. The beach shelves gently but check the tide, since the rocky ends can cut off, and keep an eye on children among the pools.
Dogs are welcome. Take your litter home — there is limited provision here and it shows when people do not.
About 25 minutes from Girvan on the A719, and a natural stop on the Carrick castle coast day trip between the Electric Brae and Dunure.
