Walk: Brown Carrick Hill - caravans, crabs & castle

South Ayrshire | Dunure | Half day walk | ★★★

[View over Ayr from Brown Carrick Hill]

An interesting hill walk? In Ayrshire? This ascent of Brown Carrick Hill cleverly combines a grassy summit with a beguiling section of the Ayrshire coastal way, starting from the lovely fishing village of Dunure - complete with its ruined castle, harbour and the Dunure Inn (which serves food). Finding the right day requires a bit of planning - sections of the coast path are tidal - but hopefully you'll have a few minutes spare to dabble in the rock pools: crabs of all shapes and sizes guaranteed! Before all that though, you've a small hill to climb, with excellent views all the way into the Highlands from the broad summit on a clear day.

[Parts of the coastal section of the route are tidal - plan accordingly]

📌 Walk: Brown Carrick Hill - caravans, crabs & castle ★★★
Start / finish at Dunure harbour (limited street parking), G.R.: NS 254160 ///image.request.lordship

▶ 14 km / 9 miles | ▲ 350 metres | ⌚ Half a day | ⬤ Moderate
Summits: Brown Carrick Hill (287 metres, sub-2000') | Features: Ayrshire coastline; Dunure; Dunure Castle
Terrain: Paths (variety of surfaces), tracks, roads (mostly quiet or with pavement). Sustained ascent from Dunure, but not too steep; very short boggy sections. Short parts of the coastal section are submerged for up to a couple of hours either side of high tide.

Route & map

Car park, Dunure & harbour - Dunure Castle - Fisherton - track junction just before Dunduff Farm - Brown Carrick Hill - radio masts - road to east - Heads of Ayr caravan park - start via coast path

Route credit: Scotland off the beaten track

On our visit

Wildlife: Sheep & lambs, cows, roe deer. Rock pool life and seabirds on coastal stretch. Biting horseflies on the hill.
Weather: Sunshine with temperature in mid-20s, but a light sea breeze for most of the walk.

Also on this walk

>> Dunure ★★
>> Dunure Castle ★★

Chronological photo guide