Shire Explorer Cycling Route

Cycling

This epic 101km route takes in a selection of smaller Shire towns and should be attempted over a few days!

This tour is 62 miles long, please allow at least 7 hours 45 minutes to complete it, excluding the time taken to enjoy the destinations along the way.

This circuit begins in Troon, where visitors can relax on the picturesque beach or embark on a fairy-finding mission with the Fullerton Fairy Trail. Follow the route inland and journey south-east, taking in many of the Shire’s hidden gem towns and villages on the way. Look out for the stunning waterfalls of Tairlaw Linn and Dalcairney Falls on the outskirts of Straiton and Dalmellington respectively. Change direction at Dalmellington and return north-west via the B730. This road will lead you through Tarbolton – home to Robert Burns’famed 18th century Bachelors Club – with the return to Troon leading you through Dundonald, with its spectacular 14th century castle and annual Highland Games. As stated above, it is advisable to attempt this route over a number of days in order to make the most of exploring the Shire.

What you'll see

Troon - Troon

Towns & Villages

Troon is an attractive seaside town, a few miles from Prestwick International Airport in South Ayrshire.

01 The Shire

Prestwick - South Ayrshire

Towns & Villages

The town of Prestwick is situated in South Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland.

01 The Shire

Dalrymple - Ayrshire

Towns & Villages

The village of Dalrymple lies in the Doon Valley, on the north bank of the River Doon in East Ayrshire.

01 The Shire

Straiton - South Ayrshire

Towns & Villages

Straiton is a small village dating back to the 18th century, located 10km south east of Maybole on the Water of Girvan.

01 The Shire

Dalmellington - Ayrshire

Towns & Villages

Dalmellington is a picturesque market town in East Ayrshire near to the Rye Burn. It has a population of around 1400 people.

01 The Shire

Tarbolton - Ayrshire

Towns & Villages

Tarbolton a small village in South Ayrshire, lying between Mauchline and Prestwick in South Ayrshire.

01 The Shire

Dundonald - Ayrshire

Towns & Villages

The village of Dundonald lies west of Kilmarknock in South Ayrshire.

01 The Shire