fairlie A guide to local paths and the outdoors www.ayrshirepaths.org
Enjoy Fairlie s outdoors responsibly welcome to fairlie This booklet provides a guide to local path networks and a flavour of the places you can explore around add town name here. There are lots of things to see and do in and around Fairlie from a wander along the Ayrshire Coastal Path, to wildlife watching along the shore line or just enjoying the spectacular views of the islands and boats bobbing on the sea. More information on path lengths, surfaces and distances is available on the Ayrshire Paths website alongside information on responsible access and other useful information for your visit. So why not get out there and explore and enjoy being active along the way?
health benefits things to see and do Did you know that while you are enjoying the outdoors your body is enjoying it too? Being active is good for your health. It has been shown to reduce people s risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. It can help improve low mood and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. Keeping active can also improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The current recommendation for physical activity is 30 minutes of moderate activity on at least five days of the week. Walking and cycling are a great ways to do this! Makes you feel good Gives you more energy Reduces stress and helps you sleep better Keeps your heart healthy and reduces blood pressure Helps to manage your weight Why are they great activities for staying healthy? Almost everyone can do them You can do them anywhere and at any time They re free and you don t need special equipment You can start slowly and build up gently You can meet new people Ayrshire Coastal Path The Ayrshire Coastal Path runs 147km from Glenapp in the south to Skelmorlie at the north end. There are two options available for the final section of the path between Largs and Skelmorlie, the High Road and the Low Road. The path offers views to Cumbrae, Bute, Cowal and distant hills, with lots of birds, rocks, waves and weather along the way. A helpful guidebook is available and is recommended for use along the route. www.ayrshirecoastalpath.org Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park The surrounding hills and farmland form part of Clyde Muirshiel is Scotland s largest Regional Park. Formally designated in 1990, roughly half of the Park s land area is within North Ayrshire. It offers a range of opportunities for walking, cycling, volunteering and outdoor activities across the area. The Park s Ranger Service organises events and volunteer activities, records wildlife and delivers environmental education across the area. www.clydemuirshielregionalpark.co.uk Fairlie Growers The organic growers of Fairlie is an association of village residents committed to sustainable living. The group has developed the Fairlie Organic Garden which provides grow your own mini allotment gardens for local people. Visits to the Garden by individuals and groups are available on request. www.organicgrowersfairlie.co.uk
things to see and do Fairtade Village Fairlie became Scotland s first Fairtrade village in March 2005 by achieving the standards set out by the Fairtrade Foundation. As part of the village s commitment to promoting the principles and products of Fairtrade, a range of Fairtrade products are available in local shops and facilities, Fairtrade products are used by local work places and community organisations and there are regular events promoting Fairtrade and selling products. www.fairliefairtrade.co.uk Kelburn Country Centre Kelburn Estate covers over 3,500 acres starting at the edge of the sea and rising to a height of 1,300 feet. 1,500 acres of the Estate is contained within a 7 foot wall which encircles the heart of the Estate. 40 acres of the Estate is parks and garden which includes the area around the Country Centre. One of the most outstanding features is its glen. In the space of just over half a mile, the Kel Burn, which helped to form the glen over thousands of years, rises on the moors 800 feet above the castle and drops dramatically through waterfalls and deep gorges to the sea. The glen itself is full of wild flowers, shrubs and trees. Kelburn s Ranger Service is available on site and provides a range of services including guided walks. www.kelburnestate.com useful information Information on rail and bus travel is available from Traveline Scotland by downloading the app, visiting the website www.travelinescotland.com or by calling 0871 200 2233 Information on the core paths network is available from accessofficer@north-ayrshire.gov.uk /corepathsplan Information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is available from www.outdooraccess-scotland.com Information on local path networks is available from www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk Information on health and wellbeing in Ayrshire is available from www.healthinfoshop.scot.nhs.uk Information on outdoor access is available from www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess National Cycle Network Fairlie is well connected to the National Cycle Network with Route 73 connecting the village to Ardrossan and the south and Route 757 connecting it to Largs. A connection between the two routes is also being investigated. www.sustrans.org.uk/route/route-73
www.ayrshirepaths.org Copies of this booklet and others in this series are available to download from our website.these booklets can also be made available in other formats and community languages. This project was funded by: