Stevenston Point, Irvine Bar, River Garnock to Todhill

This is a flat 10 mile circular walk, mainly on sand, salt flats and overgrown paths, finishing with a short stretch of tarmac. Although it is almost completely flat this walk has been graded 'moderate'/ B grade due to the distance and a few minor obstacles to be overcome and care and attention arevneeded on the salt flats and dense undergrowth approaching Todhill.

For the bird-watchers, naturalists and photographers this is paradise.

The walk will start at the large parking area at Stevenston Point or better known locally as The Slag Point! Leaving the carpark, a short slag path leads down to Ardeer Beach. Walking between the Ardeer Factory fence and the water's edge an approx, 2miles walk along the sand takes us to Irvine Bar and the confluence of the Rivers Garnock and Irvine. Heading inland we will follow the Garnock up under the Big Idea dismantled bridge to the old Ardeer Wharf where explosives were shipped all over the world. One tricky wee fence to climb here but we can help each other and it will be a 'dawdle' ! Continuing over the salt flats and up under the McGowan bridge we will leave the river at the perimeter fence of the new explosives factory. Following the old factory roads, which in places have been blocked by mounds of earth, no problem for Ramblers, we make our way up towards the sand quarries and Todhill. The going gets a bit rough now as overgrown rail lines and paths are negotiated until The Dubbs road is reached. Past the Dubbs Farm, Broom Riding School and Ardeer Mains Farm (Ayrshire Coastal Path) we soon reach the B752 the location of lost hamlet of Piperhaugh. Downhill now to Stevenston Industrial estate and diagonally over to Golf Ave and a well constructed path back to The Point.

There is a wee bit of everything on this walk, history, scenery and adventure!

Also, on a sunny day, the distraction of The Nude Beach. If anyone drops out here please inform The Back Marker!!