📌 Failford, South Ayrshire
★★
The Ayr Gorge nature reserve conceals an attractive belt of unspoilt woodland, clinging to the steep banks of the River Ayr as it winds its way past Failford village. Its peaceful folds spring a few surprises – chief among them the rock-cut Peden’s Cove stairway, from where covenanter Alexander Peden preached to his congregation across the river. Access to the steps is discouraged to prevent damage to the soft sandstone, though there are plenty of steps of the obligatory type elsewhere on the route! Wildlife highlights include red squirrels, badger, otter, roe deer and numerous bird species; we were lucky to see a pair of kingfishers on our most recent visit. Start or finish with a meal or pint at the Failford Inn.
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish on the B743 in Failford village centre
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NS 460261
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.504925,-4.439877
🚌 Bus to Failford
🚗 Layby & car park
📝 Key info
▶ 6 km / 4 mi | ▲ 220 m | ⌛ 2 hr
Features: 🌊 Ayr Gorge WWR; ⛪ Peden’s Cove
⬤ Moderate | Excellent dirt paths, fair amount of ascent / descent on steps.
Download file for GPS➡️ Irregular walk shape: start & Failford – Peden’s Cove via lower, riverside path – retrace steps briefly then keep left – southern end of reserve via lower paths – Failford via upper path. General path network map 🔗 here
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: A pair of kingfishers, a buzzard, grey herons, many mallard ducks, dippers, thrushes. Ripe blackberries. Spotted woodpecker & grey wagtail on a previous visit.
Weather: 17°C with sunny intervals.
August 2023
