7 of the best beaches in Ayrshire
There are some beautiful beaches
The sun is slowly starting to show its wee face promising us milder, longer days. So, it’s finally time to get off the couch and spend some time outdoors. If you are lucky enough to live in or be visiting the wonderful world of Ayrshire and the west coast, you already know you have a great choice of places to go for a day out, particularly if it’s a beach destination you long for.
Here is a pick of our top beach spots in Ayrshire with a little something for everyone.
Ayr Beach
Ayr beach is one of the most popular spots in Scotland and on warm days it will be incredibly busy. Its popularity has a great deal to do with the fact that it has something for everyone. It offers a beautiful sandy beach and the water is perfect for paddling.
There are many attractions for children, from an adventure playground and huge spaces to play, plus indoor fun for rainy days. If you are a cyclist, walker or runner, you will appreciate the smooth paths, and the whole place is perfect for our four-legged friends. The huge space is a sure-fire hit with dogs and their people alike.
When the fun and sun wipes you out, you can feast in a number of lovely seaside cafés along the promenade. Its beauty is a real attraction and the views across the Firth of Clyde have inspired many a writer and artist. The breath-taking views make it a romantic choice, whilst the easy accessibility from the town centre leads to a simply perfect all-round beach.
Girvan Beach
Girvan Beach is a real treat for those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Ayrshire coast. The beach itself is sandy and over a mile long. As you walk, you can enjoy the stunning Ailsa Craig as well as the Kintyre Peninsula. If you want to get a bit closer, there are boat trips to Ailsa Craig.
The cheerful harbour is a sight in itself, and a picnic area lets you munch while you relax.
Barassie Beach
Barassie Beach is a great destination for water sport fans. Enjoy sailing or windsurfing before sitting down to eat in one of the amazing harbour restaurants at Troon. Even if you prefer to stay on dry land, this beach has it all. It is a sandy shore next to a large grassy area, lending it nicely for dog-walking, children's play or simply relaxing. The views to the Isle of Arran and the Firth of Clyde are spectacular from here.
Turnberry Beach
Turnberry Beach is the place to go if you are looking for a more secluded, peaceful beach day. Just a few miles north of Girvan, Turnberry Beach boasts the Turnberry Lighthouse. This is situated on the remains of the castle which was the birthplace of Robert the Bruce.
Troon Beach
Troon Beach is another top spot if you fancy a bit of windsurfing or sailing. The shoreline is so long and sandy that it is a top pick for kite-fliers, amongst many other outdoor pursuits.
Children and families will revel in the beautiful, clean large spaces and when its time to eat, you will be spoilt for choice.
Troon Beach does become extremely busy in the warmer months, and if you have a dog, it is worth noting that dogs are banned from the beach area during the Summer months.
Enjoy a bag of chips while you take in the view, and at sundown see The Sleeping Warrior; a silhouette of Arran from Troon Beach.
Ballantrae Beach
Ballantrae Beach is the number one choice for nature enthusiasts. It is a nature reserve, comprised of a shingle beach and rocky coastline. The cliffs are home to a rich variety of birds while the beach itself is vital for tern breeding.
There isn't a sandy area, so this isn't the place for sunbathing, and it isn't accessible via transport, only on foot.
The coastal route from here to Girvan, known as Kennedy's Pass is the rich host of incredible ancient rock formations, some of which are dated back to 450 million years ago. With an abundance of rock pools and fossils to hunt for, this is the top playground for nature explorers.
Lendalfoot Beach
Lendalfoot Beach is another top pick if you are looking for a feast for the eyes. The stunning vista is worth making the trip if you aren't local. Ailsa Craig looks simply beautiful and the contrast of the sandy shores against the rolling hills makes this a perfect spot for a quiet romantic walk. There is the added attraction of the haunted Carleton Castle, where the seven wives of the baron were allegedly murdered. It is said that their screams can still be heard in the castle.
Now read:
6 of the best parks in Ayrshire
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