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The River Ayr Way, officially opened in 2006 by Fred Macaulay, is Scotland’s first source to sea path network. It covers a distance of 44 miles following the river Ayr from its source at Glenbuck Loch to the sea at Ayr. The route passes through one of the most interesting river valleys in Southern Scotland and, unlike many other long distance routes, it can be walked over a weekend or a long weekend making it an ideal short break activity for visitors to Ayrshire.
The River Ayr Way passes through areas steeped in history with links to many famous Scottish figures including Robert Burns, William Wallace, John Loudoun Macadam and many Covenanters. The route also has a wide range of habitats and diversity of wildlife including otters, badger, heron, hen harrier and much more.
The development of the River Ayr Way was part of the Coalfield Access Project. Ayrshire’s mining history gave access to funding packages totaling £2.5m which was to implement the River Ayr Way and other key routes including the Doon Valley Network, Lugar Water Trail and the Coalfield Cycle Route.
The River Ayr Way is also one of Scotland’s Great Trails. Previously known as long distance routes, Scotland’s Great Trails comprises a network of 20 longer distance routes. The new network represents the best trails Scotland has to offer the long distance walker or cyclist with great opportunities to explore the best of Scotland’s nature and landscapes and to experience our amazing history and culture.
