Craig's position, some 15 miles from the Ayrshire coast in the Firth of Clyde, and the fact that footfall is limited, means over 200 species of plants have been recorded on the island.
Getting there
Air
The Ayrshire coastline has its own airport. Glasgow Prestwick Airport www.gpia.co.uk 0871 223 0700 (UK), 00 44 1292 511000 (International), sits on the outskirts of Prestwick and has excellent connections to other British airports and many European destinations.
Sea
A ferry from Larne docks at Cairnryan, which lies only a few miles from the start of Day 1 at Glenapp. There is also a ferry from Larne that docks at Troon www.poferries.com 0871 66 44 999 (UK), 01 407 34 34 (ROI). For Arran, daily services leave Ardrossan for Brodick and from Claonaig (Kintyre) to Lochranza www.calmac.co.uk 01475 650100.
Rail
Scotrail, www.scotrail.co.uk 0845 601 5929, provide excellent rail links to the Ayrshire coast with a direct link to Largs, Ardrossan, Ayr and many of the Ayrshire coastal towns from Glasgow Central station.
Bus
Scottish Citylink, www.citylink.co.uk 0871 266 33 33, run direct services from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Stranraer, which stop at Glenapp. Stagecoach, www.stagecoachbus.com 01292 613 500, run a direct service from Dumfries to Stranraer and then another from Stranraer to Glenapp.
Road
From Glasgow follow the M8 south to junction 22 and exit onto the M77. Follow this south for approximately 15 miles until the M77 merges with the A77 and then continue south, following signs for Stranraer. The A77 continues through many Ayrshire towns and villages such as Maybole, Kirkoswald, Girvan and Ballantrae to reach Glenapp, which is approximately 11 miles north of Stranraer. If travelling from the south follow the M6 and cross the border to join the M74 at Gretna. Leave the M74 at Junction 22 (Gretna) onto the A75 and follow this for around 90 miles, going through Dumfries and bypassing Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart to reach Stranraer. From there follow the A77 north for 11 miles to reach Glenapp.
Getting Around
Trains
Scotrail provide regular, daily trains from Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay (a short walk from the north end of Skelmorlie) and to Ayr. No direct rail service links Glenapp with Skelmorlie although all the towns along the Ayrshire coast have their own stations.
Buses on the mainland
There is no direct bus route between Glenapp and Skelmorlie but Stagecoach operates regular, daily services to all the towns along the route.
Buses on Arran
Stagecoach provides an excellent bus service right round Arran. Regular, daily services leave from Brodick Ferry Terminal and stop at all locations en route.
All public transport information should be checked before setting out. See Appendix C for various options.
When to Go
The routes can be walked at any time of the year, but the months between April and October offer the best conditions to enjoy them. Some sections are long (as far as 18 miles) and, although these can be broken down to suit, they do require ample daylight. During winter the beginning and end of the route may well finish in the dark.
The spring, summer and autumn months also provide the best opportunities to view the wonderful plants and animals en route and allow the walks to proceed in, hopefully, reasonable weather.
It also has to be taken into account that on Arran there is always the chance, particularly during winter, of strong winds. These could lead to ferry cancellations that would leave you island-bound with disrupted plans.
The routes cross a lot of farmland, therefore be aware that during spring the lambing and calving season is in full flow.
Accommodation
Autumn leaves in Currarie Glen (Day 1)
The Ayrshire and Arran Coastal paths are well served with accommodation including various hotels, B&Bs, hostels and campsites. Naturally, however, there are a few areas that prove to be exceptions. There is no accommodation at all in Glenapp and very little after Ballantrae until you reach Girvan, apart from some off-route options that would require you to make other travel arrangements, as well as adding extra time into your schedule. Bearing that in mind, this book has been written so that each day finishes where there is somewhere to stay. The further north you go on the mainland the more there is a marked increase in your options. Arran is also very well served for overnight stays although places to stay between Lochranza and Blackwaterfoot are sparse. Accommodation should be booked well in advance, especially in summer. There is a basic accommodation list in Appendix B but for up-to-date details please contact the Ayrshire and Arran Tourist Board www.ayrshire-arran.com 0845 22 55 121.
Legend says Bennane Head was the home of the notorious Scottish cannibal Sawney Bean (Day 2)
Food and Drink
Like the variety of accommodation on offer, the route is predominantly well served for refreshments with many shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs but, similarly, there are some areas where these facilities are thin on the ground. There are no options on Day 1 until you reach Ballantrae, while those between there and Girvan on Day 2 are also limited. The same can be said for Arran, where a lot of the route is well away from the beaten track and it can prove to be several hours before any shop is passed. Consequently, adequate supplies of food and drink should be taken, particularly when options for buying food and drink are limited.
Money
While the hotels, restaurants, pubs and shops along the route will take both cash and credit cards, be aware that a few may not and, as the route is predominantly rural, it may be a couple of days until a bank or ATM is available. It is always best to carry enough money to cover at least two days' walking. There are several post offices en route with cash withdrawal facilities, while many of the larger supermarkets offer a cashback service.
Ayr seafront from Deil's Dyke (Day 4)
Keeping in Touch
All of the major towns and some of the smaller villages along the route have post offices. Internet access is limited to the larger towns and although mobile phone reception is generally good, there will be times when it is restricted in more remote spots.
What to Take
If you are setting out to complete the Ayrshire and Arran Coastal Paths in one go then a light rucksack with waterproof, maps, compass and a change of clothing for the evening are essential. There are also a few burns and rivers to cross as well as some boggier sections that may result in wet feet, so a change of socks
