Johnstone to Ayr

[jackthelad]

Hi guys looking for a route from johnstone to ayr.I am taking the wife with me so prefer cycle paths if possible.

I know the first part from Johnstone to lochwinnoch, and there is a cyclepath from troon to prestwick then ayr
but would be grateful if you could fill in the route inbetween these points.Also if anyone knows the distance of this route that also would be helpful.

any help appreciated
jackthelad

 

[Coco]

Follow this:

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/assets/files/leaflets/LOCHWINNOCH 2004.pdf


and then this:


http://www.sustrans.org.uk/assets/files/leaflets/garnock_valley.pdf

 

[Barney28]

You could always get the train from Kilbirnie to Kilwinning (1 stop I think) if you want to stick exclusively to the cycle paths by the looks of it.

 

[jackthelad]

coco thanks for the map links

barney good to know about the train keep it on the back burner, always another option for the misses

does anyone know what kind of distance this route is just a rough will do

jackthelad

 

[Brandane]

coco thanks for the map links

barney good to know about the train keep it on the back burner, always another option for the misses

does anyone know what kind of distance this route is just a rough will do

jackthelad

About 35/40 miles, roughly. There is a new path that cuts out having to do the circular Sustrans route through Troon. It runs alongside the railway line from near Barassie train station, and rejoins the Sustrans route at the path beside the golf course at the south side of Troon. A nicer route as well IMHO. It is signposted as a "LCN" route (Local Cycle Network).

 

[jackthelad]

thanks brandane will try and look out for it

jackthelad

 

[jackthelad]

One from the wife, she was asking what the route is like is there any major hills etc

jackthelad

 

[Brandane]

One from the wife, she was asking what the route is like is there any major hills etc

jackthelad

Mostly flat as it's along disused railway lines for a good part of it. The only hill of any consequence that I remember is the one coming out of Glengarnock towards Dalry. Fairly steep, but not very long. She could easily walk it in about 5 minutes.

 

[jackthelad]

Mostly flat as it's along disused railway lines for a good part of it. The only hill of any consequence that I remember is the one coming out of Glengarnock towards Dalry. Fairly steep, but not very long. She could easily walk it in about 5 minutes.

thanks brandane I will pass it on,she is ok with the odd hill but not one after another

jackthelad

 

[ufkacbln]

This is a route profile of the whole Lochs and Glens - but you can see the Glasgow / Ayr section.

Excellent route, and there are no real issues. The only "hilly section" is as above, but not bad.

Edited...

The other route flyer you need is the LOCHWINNOCH[/b]%202004.pdf ]Lochwinnoch Loop Line Also thoroughly reccomend the Lochside Visitor Centre for a Coffee / Snack

 

[jackthelad]

This is a route profile of the whole Lochs and Glens - but you can see the Glasgow / Ayr section.

Excellent route, and there are no real issues. The only "hilly section" is as above, but not bad.

Edited...

The other route flyer you need is the Lochwinnoch Loop Line Also thoroughly reccomend the Lochside Visitor Centre for a Coffee / Snack

cuno thanks for the route profile you have made one lady smile

jackthelad

 

[Coco]

 Also thoroughly reccomend the Lochside Visitor Centre for a Coffee / Snack

The Junction cafe in Lochwinnoch is also a very good place. Gets busy with cyclists though

 

[killiekosmos]

Overall this is a good outing. No major hills and quiet roads or paths all the way. The bit between Kilwinning and Irvine is not too attractive and be careful with the paths you take - there are lots of signs but keep a look out for the right ones (NCR7).

From Irvine to Barassie it goes through Shewalton Woods which is peaceful. In Barassie, as others posted, you can either follow the NCR along the front (bracing) or use the local path from the station to the Old Course. I'd recommend the prom on a good day for view of Arran and Ailsa Craig.

From Troon path goes over golf courses to Prestwick Airport and along pavements to Prestwick. It then zig zags on and off seafront until you get to Ayr (but better than going along main road). At Ayr prom you can get as far as Doonfoot on the seafront, again with great views.

As the route is always close to a station on the Ayr - Glasgow line you can stop anytime.

If more adventurous, from Irvine take the cycle path to Killie (flat and good surface) and then a train home or cycle up the dedicated lane on old A77 all the way to Newton Mearns (a few wee hills though).

No matter what route you choose, have a great time.

 

[jackthelad]

The Junction cafe in Lochwinnoch is also a very good place. Gets busy with cyclists though

coco is the junction cafe on the main street or down at the loch,I can see lochwinnoch as a stopping point for us
jackthelad

 

[jackthelad]

Overall this is a good outing. No major hills and quiet roads or paths all the way. The bit between Kilwinning and Irvine is not too attractive and be careful with the paths you take - there are lots of signs but keep a look out for the right ones (NCR7).

From Irvine to Barassie it goes through Shewalton Woods which is peaceful. In Barassie, as others posted, you can either follow the NCR along the front (bracing) or use the local path from the station to the Old Course. I'd recommend the prom on a good day for view of Arran and Ailsa Craig.

From Troon path goes over golf courses to Prestwick Airport and along pavements to Prestwick. It then zig zags on and off seafront until you get to Ayr (but better than going along main road). At Ayr prom you can get as far as Doonfoot on the seafront, again with great views.

As the route is always close to a station on the Ayr - Glasgow line you can stop anytime.

If more adventurous, from Irvine take the cycle path to Killie (flat and good surface) and then a train home or cycle up the dedicated lane on old A77 all the way to Newton Mearns (a few wee hills though).

No matter what route you choose, have a great time.

killie thanks for the imput,the forum has made this trip a lot easier,knowing what is ahead of us.Most of our trips are over the lochside balloch end, but wanted to explore the ayrshire coast,so might see you in kilmarnock sometime.Hoping to do it Sat,so might come across the odd member from the forum,you never know.
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