Читать книгу The Ayrshire and Arran Coastal Paths онлайн

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The Ayrshire Coastal Path is a 94-mile route that showcases some of Scotland's finest scenery, but it has a relatively understated start point at the humble surrounds of Glenapp. Consisting of only a few houses and a very fine church, Glenapp nonetheless provides a peaceful backdrop to the route's start and it is a lovely location to begin a long-distance walk.

Glenapp can be reached by either car or bus and although there is a very small car park across the road from Glenapp Church there is room here for only three or four cars, so it is advisable to use the excellent bus service to drop you at the bottom of the lane leading to the church. If you choose to drive, walk from the car park past Old School House and as the road end is reached turn left to cross the A77. If you take the bus, get off at Glenapp Church and simply walk up the track to the church.

GLENAPP CHURCH

Built in 1850, Glenapp Church was originally a chapel-of-ease for the villagers of nearby Ballantrae. Many towns and villages in Scotland at this time had a chapel-of-ease, which were built to solve the problems of worshippers who could not travel to the larger parish churches; the distance and terrain between Glenapp and Ballantrae would have been too difficult for many during the 19th century. With seating for approximately 70, it is one of the smallest churches in Scotland. In 1985 the church became united with the larger church in Ballantrae. Known locally as The Glen Kirk, it is one of the many fine buildings to be found along the Ayrshire coast.