Ayrshire Beaches

Ayr Beach

Ayr beach is a nice place to spend a summers day with the stunning views over the Firth of Clyde inspiring painters, poets and seafaring folk for generations. The beach itself is sandy, shallow and great for paddling on any fine Scottish summer day. Ayr beach and promenade has been beautifully revamped over the last few years. There is plenty to entertain the children with a great outdoor adventure playground, there is also a crazy golf and mini golf pitch great fun for all ages. The smooth pathways are great for cyclists and skaters and for walking dogs. There is also a small number of cafes and take away food places dotted along the promenade so you won’t go hungry. Ayr Beach is worth a visit early in the morning or late in evening just when you can catch the sun setting behind Arran, truly spectacular and romantic. There is easy access to Ayr beach from the Ayr town centre.

Girvan Beach

Girvan Beach features white sand stretching over a mile long and provides impressive views to Ailsa Craig and the Kintyre peninsula. Girvan’s long sandy beach may be one of the best in Ayrshire. From the harbour area you can take a gentle stroll to the south end of the beach, clamber over some horse rocks or make a stop at the picnic seating area for some refreshments. Local boat owners offer trips to or around Ailsa Craig.

Barassie Beach

A beautiful stretch of sandy beach with views of the Isle of Arran and the Firth of Clyde. Popular pursuits are windsurfing and sailing. Barassie Golf Course is nearby. Easy access to Troon Harbour, and a wealth of good restaurants. It is within easy reach of a supermarket. Barassie Beach is fringed by a wide grassy area and there are nearby swing parks for the children. During the summer, there are great views of arriving and departing ferries to Ireland and the occasional cruise liner. One of Ayrshire’s most accessible beaches, Barassie Beach lies to the North of Troon Harbour and the northern most end marks the northern boundary of South Ayrshire.

Troon Beach

Troon Beach is a long sweeping stretch of sand with a popular esplanade. It has been, and still is, a popular spot for generations of holidaymakers. It is an easy to access beach which is well served by ice-cream vendors on sunny days. There is a nearby playpark for the children. Troon Yacht Haven is in close proximity which has excellent facilities for visiting yachtsmen. There are also lots of good local shops and some excellent restaurants, not forgetting some great chip shops. The beach is well maintained and dogs are banned from May to September. The view from Troon beach is towards Arran which creates a silhouette of “The Sleeping Warrior”. The shore is used by windsurfers and kite enthusiasts alike.

Ballantrae Beach

Ballantrae beach is a nature reserve offering nesting grounds for a wide variety of birds in the nearby cliffs, and the shingle beach is especially important for breeding terns. Crossing the banks of the River Stinchar, which runs into Kinniegar shore, is an old arc bridge dating from 1770 that was built from the overlooking Ardstinchar Castle, which was once visited by Mary Queen of Scots when on a pilgrimage. The beach provides a wonderful view of Ailsa Craig. The shoreline, from the harbour at the north end to the estuary of the River Stinchar at the south end, is well worth exploring. There is a grassy area next to the car park with picnic tables, a small putting green, and plenty of room for the children to play: perfect for kite-flying! There are also some small grocery shops in the centre of Ballantrae. The shoreline is operated by South Ayrshire Council.

Kennedy’s Pass

The dramatic coastal route, Kennedy’s Pass, is an important geological site. The shore, with its many fascinating rock formations, exposes rocks that are over 450 million years old! The rocky terrain of the beach requires caution, but it provides an interesting walk across fascinating rock structures. Access to the beach must be on foot, but there are several lay-bys on the A77 where it is possible to park. Operated by South Ayrshire Council.

Lendalfoot Beach

The long, sandy shores of Lendalfoot beach are perfect for romantic strolls with a beautiful view of Ailsa Craig. Or one can simply stop on the lay-by and sit on the soft, sandy beach and admire the breathtaking scenery. Nestled in the colourful hills behind the village is Carleton Castle. It is said to be haunted by the ghostly screams of the seven wives of the baron that once lived there, who murdered all his wives by pushing them over the cliff!

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