NS2818 : View towards Ayr from Heads of Ayr

Heads of Ayr

79m Elevation
44m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NS2818 : View towards Ayr from Heads of Ayr

Colin Park Photo source

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Goatfell from Cladach

10 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Heads of Ayr Coastal Path

A scenic route that follows the cliffs of Heads of Ayr, offering dramatic sea views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

8 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

0-99m hill

Elevation

79m

259 ft

Prominence

44m

Coordinates

55.4323, -4.7032

NS290187

OS Map

70

Explorer: 326N

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a large grassy area with an unobstructed view of the Firth of Clyde. There is no official trig point, but the site is marked with a few convenient benches to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops near the cliffs.

Heads of Ayr is predominantly composed of soft sedimentary rock, with layers of sandstone and clay, making for interesting geological formations along the coastal cliffs. The beach features exposed limestone and other solubles, perfect for budding geologists to examine.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can see the Isle of Arran to the west and the busy ships navigating the Firth of Clyde. The picturesque village of Ayr lies just a short distance to the north.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Heads of Ayr' is derived from the Old Norse word 'Hǫð', meaning 'headland', reflecting the prominent coastal feature of the region.

Historical Significance

Historically, Heads of Ayr has been a strategic point along the coast, serving as a lookout for early sailors and a backdrop to various historic events, including smuggling.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking area is located at the Heads of Ayr Country Park, which offers ample space and a café for pre-hike snacks.

Public Transport

Buses run regularly from Ayr to Heads of Ayr, making it easily accessible for those using public transport.

Nearby Facilities

The nearby Heads of Ayr Country Park features a café, picnic areas, and public toilets, ensuring you won’t find yourself in a bind.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Coastal cliffs may be steep and unexpected drops can be dangerous, especially in wet or windy conditions. Watch out for slippery paths near the water.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Heads of Ayr?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Heads of Ayr through the maps

Are there other walkers around Heads of Ayr?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Heads of Ayr search or of course create your own walk for Heads of Ayr

Can I organise a walk to Heads of Ayr?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Heads of Ayr.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Heads of Ayr?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Heads of Ayr here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NS290187

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