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WALK 2

Ailsa Craig

Start/Finish Girvan harbour (NX 184 981) Distance 2.5km (1½ miles) Ascent 340m (1110ft) Approx time 2hrs Terrain Steep path Max altitude Ailsa Craig, 338m Maps Landranger 76 (Girvan); Explorer 317 (Ballantrae) Public transport Girvan station Access The author crossed with established boatman Mark McCrindle (www.ailsacraig.org.uk) Parking Street parking near harbour

Ailsa Craig is the only island in the world with a variety of onion named after it. And just like an onion it can make you cry – not because of the awkward journey to Girvan and the slightly pricey boat trip, but because even if you extravagantly booked for 3 hours on the island, when it’s time for the boat you haven’t been there nearly long enough.

The boatman will take you right around the island before landing at the pier. Poisoning of the island’s rats has allowed the ground-nesting puffins to recover, while there have always been gulls, gannets and everything else that goes squawk and drops a splat onto the deck beside you. Bring binoculars and a splat-proof hat.