River Ayr Way Challenge
Glenbuck Loch, United Kingdom • 12 Sep 2026
Overview
The River Ayr Way is a long distance source-to-sea route in Scotland, officially opened in 2006. The route covers 44 miles, running from Glenbuck Loch to the sea at Ayr. The path is waymarked and is listed as one of Scotland’s Great Trails.
Route and access
The walk begins at Glenbuck Loch; parking is available at Glenbuck Heritage Park. The route passes through a river valley in Southern Scotland and can be completed over a long weekend. Maps and section breakdowns are provided for the route.
Wildlife and history
The route passes through a variety of habitats where visitors may see wildlife such as otters, badgers, herons and hen harriers. The valley contains sites linked to several notable figures from Scottish history.
Events and safety
An annual event, the River Ayr Way Challenge, is a 40 mile ultra-marathon held in September and forms part of the Scottish Ultra Marathon series. A section at Wellflat Bank is closed because of landslides; a temporary diversion via Daldorch is in place while a permanent alternative is negotiated. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.