Below are some suggestions for days out in and around Troon. If you have any others that you think will be of interest, send them in and they'll be added.
The Smugglers Trail
The Smugglers' Trail leads from the Main Street of the village of Loans through Dundonald Glen and up Dundonald Hill to the village of Dundonald and Dundonald Castle. The trail passes by Collenan Reservoir, crosses ancient woodland and provides stunning views over the Firth of Clyde. This historic route has been in regular use from early times and was a popular route used by smugglers, bringing their 'booty' back from the Ayrshire shores.
An easy to moderate woodland walk, the incline sharpens to 1:6 in places. The walk takes about 1 hour. For more information on The Smugglers' and the route you can download The Smugglers' Trail leaflets below:
Drive north along the coast from Troon to the town of Largs where you can catch the ferry to Great Cumbrae. Ferries run regularly throughout the day and the crossing is only about 10 minutes. You can either take your car or go on foot. When you get onto the island, there is a bus to Millport but it is better to walk it. You can either walk along the coast road to Millport, through the middle of the island or over the top. The quickest way is through the middle and a leisurely stroll past farmland and woodland takes about 40 minutes. In September you can extend the time of your walk by picking blackberries, which grow in abundance along the hedgerows.
Once in Millport you can sit beside the sea and look out to the Firth of Clyde, play on the beach or hire a bike from the many hire shops. Tandems are available as well as kids buggies that can be towed along behind you. It will take you about an hour to ride right round the island and seals are a common sight basking offshore. Alternatively you can just cycle along the west side of the island where you'll have spectacular views of the Isle of Arran.
Isle of Arran
Driving north of Troon again you'll arrive at the port of Ardrossan, where there are regular ferry connections to Brodick on the Isle of Arran. The crossing takes about an hour and you can take your car or go as a foot passenger. You can easily make a day of it by taking the 9am ferry and returning late afternoon. Once you have disembarked at Brodick, you can take a tour of the island by car or tour bus, you can cycle the entire perimeter of the island (about 56 miles) or just stroll around Brodick and visit Brodick Castle. If you feel up to it, you can hire a bike and cycle a couple of miles along the coast for a pub lunch. If you're feeling really fit, you can climb Goatfell (2,866ft) in about 2 hours - the trail starts near to Brodick Castle.
Cumbrae Voyages
Cumbrae Voyages offers unforgettable marine adventures and wildlife tours amongst the beautiful islands of the lower Clyde. Join us for a fully interactive expedition onboard our custom built, 12 seat, Rigid Inflatable Boats. The speed and manoeuvrability of our boats allow us to take you to areas seldom visited, providing you with close encounters of the islands wildlife safely and enjoyably. Based at Largs, which is about 40 minutes by car along the coast road north of Troon.
