Culzean to Maidens Railway Loop Walk

A less trodden loop around Culzean Country Park to maidens in this Culzean Castle Walk.

Take a stroll along part of the old Turnberry Railway line, starting at Culzean Castle, into the seaside village of Maidens, back along the beach, and return via the Culzean Castle and Country Park estate.

This walk report is from a walk-in in November. Although the railway section can be wet underfoot in autumn and winter, it’s still a lovely walk, and I personally love an Autumn walk. Pick a cold sunny day, and it will be a beautiful walk and, of course, fantastic in spring/summer.

Fees do apply for entrance to Culzean Castle and Country Park, so please bear this in mind and check their website for up-to-date prices. If you have never been here before, make a day of it, as there is plenty to see around the estate, castle, and walled gardens.

Check out other walks at culzean castle

Public transport

There is a Bus Stop just outside the main entrance to Culzean Castle and Country Park.

Stagecoach—BUS 60 serves this bus stop from Ayr to Girvin and vice versa, also stopping in Maybole. There are rail links from Glasgow to Stranraer.

Plan your journey and buy tickets via the Stagecoach website – https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey

Approach

Taking the main entrance into Culzean Castle and Country Park (fees apply), follow the single-track road slightly uphill. The picnic area is on a hard right turn at the top of an uphill section. Turn left into the car park, which is a small car park with only parking for around 10 cars.

Step by Step Directions

Start Point

Starting at the small car park, head down the track and over the railway bridge, taking the path to the left at the other side of the bridge to join the old Turnberry railway line.

Follow the old Turnberry Railway line.

Once on the old Turnberry railway line, enjoy the walk south towards Maidens until the oath descends slightly to join a road.

Take the road into Maidens

Take the road under the railway bridge and into Maidens Village.

Join the road and follow into Maidens

Enjoy the views across the bar and Maiden Harbour following the road past Wildlings Restaurant and via Ropes Bistro, which I highly recommend for some coffee and cake. There is also a picnic area in the harbour if you want to take a takeaway and enjoy the harbour views.

Take the Beach North towards Culzean Castle

Follow the beach past the caravan park and shortly after there is a path and boardwalk over the stream and up into the Culzean Castle estate. Past a pink cottage and slightly uphill past another cottage. You will reach a car park and coffee shop at Swan Pond. your route back from here is to continue up the road and take the first path on your right. Continue along the path taking the second left. This path comes out onto a road next to a dear park.

Take a right and immediate left along the top of the dear park. this continues up to an overflow car park, turn right before the road and continue uphill coming out on to the entrance road to the park, the car park is just uphill on the right.

Summary

This is a heart little walk, well I guess it’s not that little being over 9lm but it’s a fairly easy walk, very enjoyable and will only tackle a few hours. Combined with a nice lunch stop and it has all the makings of a great weekend walk with the dog. If you are visiting the area, give this walk ago. If you enjoyed it, please do leave a comment.