Lang Scots Mile
Lang Scots Mile
4.5
About
Roughly one-mile scenic walking trail along the seacoast, suitable for wheelchairs. Start: Car park at Miller’s Folly on Cromwell’s Fort. End: Blackburn Car Park.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
140 reviews
Excellent
73
Very good
54
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Purple C
Scotland, UK16,053 contributions
Whenever I get the chance I head down to Ayr seafront to walk the Lang Scots Mile to blow the cobwebs away. This spring has been unseasonably warm and dry for Scotland so I've made the most of it and got a bit of excercise whenever I can spare an hour. Its a popular pastime in the seaside town of Ayr to go powerwalking or strolling the Lang Scots Mile along the seafront promenade.
Up until the 18th century a 'mile' could be a variable distance in Scotland, though at around 1984 yards it was always a good bit longer than an English Mile.
The Scottish Bard Robert Burns, who was born locally in Alloway, mentions the Lang Scots Mile in his epic poem Tam O'Shanter. With this in mind, the local council decided to measure a Lang Scots mile, to encourage the locals and visitors alike to get a wee bit of healthy excercise.
The route runs conveniently between two car parks, one is by Miller's Folly at Oliver Cromwell's Fort at the north end (The Citadel) and the other is near Blackburn Car Park further south. The route is marked at beginning and end, and as an added encouragement, there are quarter mile markers so the walkers know how much further they have to go. I like to start at the Citadel end and head south for the bridge that crosses the mouth of the Doon river, where I stop for a breather and watch the swans and ducks, before heading back to base.
It is an easy, flat walk and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs too. The views across the firth of Clyde to Arran, Kintyre and the Cumbraes is stunning at any time of year, but come before sunset and the sky is often ablaze with pinks and oranges as the sun dips behind Goatfell mountain on the Island of Arran.
Kids love the seafront playpark approximately half way along the route, and the long sandy beach where kicking a ball or flying a kite is popular. There is a convenient little cafe overlooking the playpark where refreshments can be bought, and shelters are dotted along the seafront, handy should the weather turn wet. During the summer season there are also ice-cream/snack kiosks open, and the occasional special event on the Low Green.
Up until the 18th century a 'mile' could be a variable distance in Scotland, though at around 1984 yards it was always a good bit longer than an English Mile.
The Scottish Bard Robert Burns, who was born locally in Alloway, mentions the Lang Scots Mile in his epic poem Tam O'Shanter. With this in mind, the local council decided to measure a Lang Scots mile, to encourage the locals and visitors alike to get a wee bit of healthy excercise.
The route runs conveniently between two car parks, one is by Miller's Folly at Oliver Cromwell's Fort at the north end (The Citadel) and the other is near Blackburn Car Park further south. The route is marked at beginning and end, and as an added encouragement, there are quarter mile markers so the walkers know how much further they have to go. I like to start at the Citadel end and head south for the bridge that crosses the mouth of the Doon river, where I stop for a breather and watch the swans and ducks, before heading back to base.
It is an easy, flat walk and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs too. The views across the firth of Clyde to Arran, Kintyre and the Cumbraes is stunning at any time of year, but come before sunset and the sky is often ablaze with pinks and oranges as the sun dips behind Goatfell mountain on the Island of Arran.
Kids love the seafront playpark approximately half way along the route, and the long sandy beach where kicking a ball or flying a kite is popular. There is a convenient little cafe overlooking the playpark where refreshments can be bought, and shelters are dotted along the seafront, handy should the weather turn wet. During the summer season there are also ice-cream/snack kiosks open, and the occasional special event on the Low Green.
Written May 21, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scottish-Hidden-Gems🏴💎
Ayrshire, UK6,354 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Walked along here yesterday, it's a lovely easy walk with beautiful views with plenty of ice cream stops along the way!
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NewHorizonsIreland
Limerick64 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
The Lang Scots Mile! What a great name for a lovely walk. Being such a lovely morning last Sunday in Ayr, I decided to do this walk along the sea front. The sun was shining and the air was bracing. Whether it is a full mile or not I do not know, but there are sign posts along the route with two feet etched out on them, marking each quarter, and this in itself is an encouragement for one to go from one sign to the other if one begins to feel a bit lazy about finishing the walk. There are also some seats along the low green should one want to take a rest!
Even early in the morning, there were several people out walking their dogs, some just strolling, and others like myself briskly walking, taking in the lovely scenery looking out to sea and seeing the Isle of Aran on the horizon. This walk can be done either on the prom itself, or along the beach, which was being cleaned even at that early hour of the morning and looked great.
During the Summer, "The Waverly," the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world can be seen leaving and coming into the pier in Ayr after its day trips to the various islands. This is a lovely walk on the flat, and suits all ages.
Even early in the morning, there were several people out walking their dogs, some just strolling, and others like myself briskly walking, taking in the lovely scenery looking out to sea and seeing the Isle of Aran on the horizon. This walk can be done either on the prom itself, or along the beach, which was being cleaned even at that early hour of the morning and looked great.
During the Summer, "The Waverly," the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world can be seen leaving and coming into the pier in Ayr after its day trips to the various islands. This is a lovely walk on the flat, and suits all ages.
Written April 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lieutenant_Feraud
London, United Kingdom927 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
The Lang Scottish mile seems to be about 200 yards longer than the UK standard mile. Its been set up on the Ary seafront in response to the mention of the Lang Scottish mile in the Burns poem, Tam O'shanter. Like much Scottish scenery, it probably has to be sampled in brilliant sunshine or a howling gale. I got neither, although a stiff saunter on a grey day did me a power of good. Few folks out walking, but I was chased down by a Lang rage pensioner in a mobility vehicle - see photo.
Written June 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ClubFlyer320
Newbury, UK27 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
I took the train from Glasgow Central to Ayr
and it took around 55 minutes
£10.50 Adult off peak return
The "Lang Scots Mile" was great for a 30 minute walk or longer ,It also takes about
10 minutes to wend one's way through Ayr town centre, a mix of the usual array of shops and eateries, then through an attractive residential area towards the beach
As others have said it is a really easy flat walk,
alongside a nice wide sweeping stretch of sand
mixed with grass. On the late April afternoon the weather was a mixed bag of cloud, rain showers , sunshine and brisk winds,
providing some dramatic views of the clouds
and Isle of Arran ,but few places to shelter.
I'd recommend walking South rather than North
which heads up to an unattractive residential
and dock/harbour cul de sac, although one can continue onto the harbour/sea wall.
A few things for children, but little in the way
of food or drink, so eat and drink whilst making
your way through town. Ayr itself has some
interesting old buildings and bridges , however some sit uneasily with the more modern late 20th century shopping areas.
and it took around 55 minutes
£10.50 Adult off peak return
The "Lang Scots Mile" was great for a 30 minute walk or longer ,It also takes about
10 minutes to wend one's way through Ayr town centre, a mix of the usual array of shops and eateries, then through an attractive residential area towards the beach
As others have said it is a really easy flat walk,
alongside a nice wide sweeping stretch of sand
mixed with grass. On the late April afternoon the weather was a mixed bag of cloud, rain showers , sunshine and brisk winds,
providing some dramatic views of the clouds
and Isle of Arran ,but few places to shelter.
I'd recommend walking South rather than North
which heads up to an unattractive residential
and dock/harbour cul de sac, although one can continue onto the harbour/sea wall.
A few things for children, but little in the way
of food or drink, so eat and drink whilst making
your way through town. Ayr itself has some
interesting old buildings and bridges , however some sit uneasily with the more modern late 20th century shopping areas.
Written May 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrparnold
Wigtown, United Kingdom44 contributions
Nov 2019
Hey, it's a mile walk, along the sea front of lovely Ayr, loads of dogs to meet and everyone is friendly and nice. And beleive it or not it's a mile back too!
Written November 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl R
Birkenhead, UK398 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
Great little walk from the recreation centre right down the the sea front.
Walk along the outside of the walls and there is a large cannon to view.
Walk along the outside of the walls and there is a large cannon to view.
Written November 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnnykitty
44 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
This can be a nice long walk when the sun shines it is normally busy .Beautiful calm sea look across and see island of Arran look behind and see Carrick hills .A trip to Arran you will enjoy but can be expensive,a walk in the hills is free and enjoyable.Back to Lang {long} Scott { Scottish} mile { 1760 yards}
We live here and enjoy the seafront.The ice cream kiosks are expensive if you have a family beware.Watch out for the dog POO and the sometimes reckless cyclists who want to ride on the pavement and not on the road,.
I get so annoyed there are rubbish bins and yet people do not use them
We live here and enjoy the seafront.The ice cream kiosks are expensive if you have a family beware.Watch out for the dog POO and the sometimes reckless cyclists who want to ride on the pavement and not on the road,.
I get so annoyed there are rubbish bins and yet people do not use them
Written May 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobnimmo
Glasgow, UK106 contributions
Jun 2021
Starr ting from just north of the town centre , the ‘mile’ path stretches along the seafront and the path actually continues south for quite a bit further than the mile post.
Very pleasant stroll on a nice day , goes along the beachside mainly with Cafes and toilets on the way.Can be cold though if it’s cooler and the breeze is up
Very pleasant stroll on a nice day , goes along the beachside mainly with Cafes and toilets on the way.Can be cold though if it’s cooler and the breeze is up
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Let’s Talk ...
Manchester, UK499 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Stopped for three nights and did this walk every morning it's nice and flat and the views are fantastic lots of folk knocking about and a good coffee available at the end of it ...
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1958JanetG
Ayr, UK2 contributions
How many steps
ch00chter
Buchlyvie, UK471 contributions
I'd hazard a guess at circa 12,000 for normal walking
Lang Scots Mile (Ayr) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Lang Scots Mile
- Hotels near Lang Scots Mile:
- (0.15 mi) Fairfield House Hotel
- (0.27 mi) Beaches Guest House
- (0.26 mi) The Burnside Guest House
- (0.27 mi) Daviot House
- (0.27 mi) Savoy Park Hotel
- Restaurants near Lang Scots Mile:
- (0.14 mi) Vista Bar and Restaurant at the Horizon Hotel
- (0.17 mi) Martins Bar & Grill
- (0.26 mi) Savoy Park Hotel Restaurant
- (0.31 mi) Ayr India
- (0.42 mi) Saffy's Cafe Bar & Brasserie
- Attractions near Lang Scots Mile:
- (0.14 mi) Ayr Seafront Playpark
- (0.14 mi) Ayr beach
- (0.17 mi) Pirate Pete's
- (0.27 mi) Chanida Thai Massage & Spa
- (0.29 mi) Wellington Square
Lang Scots Mile Information
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