Cycle Ayr - Culzean

It has been a great 3 days. The blue skies and milder weather just makes everyone feel so much better. 2 rounds of golf without 4 layers of clothing was just superb. I also managed 3 bike rides the best of which is this post.
The weather forecast was excellent particularly with the most important element, minimal wind, I decided a coastal ride was on. I knew the views over the sea were going to be well worth the effort.
My route started at Ayr shore car park. Busy for 10am on a Wednesday. A gentle ride along the Ayr seafront eases you in gently followed by a short off road climb, I thought this was all tarmac, got the heart and lungs going. The track continues along a rutted and muddy farm-track, not the best on skinny tyres, but with care I got through the puddles.
The track joins the coastal road just before the old Butlins caravan park, I can't remember who owns it now. You are on a coastal road so be aware of the traffic. It is a gentle climb up towards Dunure but already the views are brilliant over the Heads of Ayr and out over the sea to Arran. Peregrine falcons are regularly seen at these cliffs. If you are on foot the walk along the beach, tide permitting, is a good walk.
Around this point there is a road that takes you over the Carrick Hills to Maybole that can be explored but today I am straight out and back along the coastal road.

Arran still holding snow

It is a steady climb up to the Dunure cut off. For those cyclists fitter than me then opt for the descent into the village of Dunure. There is a super pub, Dunure Inn, which has great seafood ( n.b. if you phone in advance, as I once did, they caught a lobster for me that morning ), but remember you have to cycle back up to the main road so not too much food & drink. Dunure village is the location of a ruined castle which has an interesting history, for more info look it up on Wikipedia.
Now another steady climb which for me its time to get out of the saddle for a bit, but not sweating yet so it could be harder. Plenty of lambs in the surrounding fields being closely monitored by crows and also a large raven that flew over my head. Not good news for the lambs unless their mothers are attentive but even then they can be powerless to stop the birds. Sadly I have seen them take the eyes out of newborn lambs but that is how nature works.
Views are still excellent, perfect cycling conditions, who needs to go abroad?
I now can see Culzean castle in the distance a nice sight. A brief stop at a parking slot to take on board some drink, dried apple and nuts as well as taking in the wonderful views.

Culzean castle from beach

The next climb is probably the hardest of the day for me but I make it to the top. You can take another detour down to Croy beach which is a lovely spot but another climb back up again!!
The end of this climb takes you to the Electric Brae which is an Ayrshire tourist destination. Basically it is an optical illusion whereby cars seem to go uphill when indeed it is downhill. I believe it is due to the cambers of the road. My kids used to get out of the car and roll a ball to see where downhill was.
This section of the road is over when you arrive at the T junction, left for Maybole, right for Culzean. A pleasant straightish road takes you to Culzean castle where there is an entrance charge for cars but cyclists straight through. Plenty of pheasants in and around this area and a pair flew straight out across the road, not close enough to cause me to crash but interesting nevertheless. Culzean castle is an impressive building and worth a look around. Depending on when you visit the cafe may or may not be open so make sure you have some rations. There are very impressive grounds to take a stroll around and for another day some easy coastal walks that show up the beautiful hidden beaches in the area particularly at low tide.

How about this for a cracking little beach with Ailsa Craig in the background. 
That was enough for me today and the return was a reverse of the above. A wonderful bike ride on a scenic route. I feel good!!!

Looking north to Croy beach from Culzean castle

All told my trip was around 27 miles which was nice for me and definitely easier going back. On the outward route the climb from sea level reaches 490 feet but there is a good bit of up and down to give you a higher total altitude of climbing. The last photo looks back at some of the coastal route we have just cycled. For younger fitter legs you have options to extend your ride. If you want to you can continue past Culzean to Maidens and Turnberry but you then meet the busy A77 if you are going back to Ayr that way. At the T junction you can go to Maybole and come back over the Carrick hills route or go back to Ayr via the A77.
But my recommendation is that you do this coastal ride and enjoy the magnificent scenery.