This is the gentlest of the coastal path stages near Girvan and, for many people, the most enjoyable: flat the whole way, on sand and shore, with the most famous golf links in Ayrshire as your path and a lighthouse at the end of it.
The route
Cross the harbour bridge in Girvan and follow the shore north past the links holes of Girvan Golf Course and out along the long beach of Turnberry Bay — three flat miles of sand and shingle with Ailsa Craig off your left shoulder the whole way.
At the far end the path runs onto the edge of the Trump Turnberry Ailsa course and out to the point, where Turnberry lighthouse stands in the fragmentary remains of Turnberry Castle — traditionally the birthplace of Robert the Bruce. This is the high point of the walk and worth a long stop.
From there it is a mile or so into Maidens and its harbour, where there is a café, a pub and a bus stop. If you have the legs, carry on another three miles into the Culzean estate through the woods and along the shore below the castle — eleven miles in total, and a very good day.
Getting back
The Stagecoach 60 runs from Maidens and from the Culzean gates back to Girvan. Check the timetable before you set off and plan the walk around the bus rather than the other way round — services are roughly two-hourly and thinner on Sundays.
What to know
You are crossing a working championship golf course. The right of way is long established and walkers are entirely welcome, but keep strictly to the marked route, watch for play, give way to golfers and do not walk on greens or tees. If you hear a shout, stop and look.
The beach section can be heavy going on shingle at high tide — check tide times, and the walk is much easier on a falling or low tide. It is exposed the whole way with no shelter, so take a jacket.
Boots or trainers both work here; this is the one stage where trainers are fine in dry weather. Carry water — there is nothing between Girvan and Maidens.
See the Ayrshire Coastal Path for the other stages, or Girvan to Turnberry if you would rather drive it.
