Low Green to Eglinton Park 6 km

This route follows the path of National Cycle Route 7 north out of Irvine and is suitable for all abilities of cyclists and pedestrians. A convenient place to start is from the Low Green near where the shopping centre bridges the River Irvine. The Low Green, together with the nearby Town's Moor, Golfields and Bogside, was used as the town's common for grazing cattle, public events, visiting circuses and so on. Locals could also hire rowing boats for two shillings and sixpence. The footbridge across to the Waterside houses was built in 1888. The town's harbour was situated at the Low Green until 1677.

Following the river on the east bank go under the A737 where it crosses the Irvine and follow the route up from the river to Burns Statue. This statue was erected in 1896 to commemorate the time Burns spent in Irvine in 1781 learning the flax trade (see Glasgow Vennel). Nearby are some cobblestones in the grass which mark the spot where the burgh gallows once stood and where two Covenanters were hanged in 1666.


Continue north across the Town's Moor alongside the railway, through the gorse bushes and wild grasses. It was near here on the Moor that the 6th Earl of Eglinton set up a racecourse in 1636. In 1808 the Montgomeries of Eglinton bought Bogside (on the west side of the railway line) and build a more permanent racecourse. The Scottish Grand National was first run at Bogside in 1867. Few remnants of the course remain. A short stop on the bridge over the railway leading to Bogside golf course provides a view of the surrounding area.

The Ravenspark Golf Course can be seen on the east of Sandy Road. The route continues north to the Garnock Floods Nature Reserve. This low lying flood plain provides a habitat for a wide range of visiting and resident birds. For more information on birdlife in the area click here.

The path then goes under the main A78 road and follows the Garnock Loop. At the footbridge cross the Garnock River and head east past the houses to the A737. Turn right onto the A737 (take care in traffic) until you reach the Kilwinning Gates of Eglinton Park. (For information on this next part of the route, click the map).

SAFETY ADVICE
Pedestrians
To maximise your enjoyment of the Trail ensure that you:
-Wear comfortable footwear
-Carry adequate clothing
-Be aware of other users on the route
-Be aware of cyclists, especially those approaching from behind
Cyclists
Observe the following few simple safety precautions:
-Wear a helmet
-Ensure your cycle is roadworthy
-Observe signs and notices along the route
-Be courteous to other Trail users, especially young and elderly pedestrians