The Haylie Walk offers a great mix of terrains and views. It is a circular walk of some 12km that stretches across moorland, to the highest viewpoints, past ancient sites and down to the sea.

There are various starting points and the route can be walked in either direction. The suggested loop is anti-clockwise. There are several convenient car parks, including one over the railway bridge at the Yacht Club near Kelburn. Go across the bridge and park in the left car park. If on foot from Largs you may wish to follow the shore to The Pencil monument (which commemorates the Battle of Largs in 1263). The monument is adjacent to the Yacht Club. From here head along the footpath on the A78 towards Fairlie. On your right are the hills above Kelburn and eventually the entrance to Kelburn Country Centre. Make a note to visit Kelburn at a later date as you will not have time on the Haylie Walk to appreciate all it has to offer.

Enter Fairlie and just past the petrol station on the left there is a footpath that heads up above the town. Also near here the railway disappears under the town into a 4000 yd tunnel one of the longest in Scotland. The path heads South along the hillside with great views of Cumbrae and some interesting structures at Hunterston. This part of the path 'Ladies Walk' reaches the Kelburn Glen path at a gate. Although the path now heads up the glen, take a few minutes to view Fairlie Castle (1521) further down the hill. If you have more time drop down the glen to the shore and watch the wildlife and boats from the Fairlie Sands.

Head up the Fairlie Glen stopping occasionally to view the burn and its waterfalls. Above the trees take the path north onto moorland. Follow the path looking out for moorland birds such as wheatear, linnet and the occasional buzzard and kestrel.

The path continues along above Kelburn Estate. As you round Ward Hill on the right there is a path into Kelburn which will take you down to the centre (admission charge applies). Our path continues to the Dalry Road at Fechan Farm. This high moorland area has a certain remote Highland atmosphere about it despite being so near to the coast and civilisation. It is still important that you are prepared for sudden changes in the weather, wear good boots, carry some water and sandwiches.

Cross the Dalry Road at Fechan Bridge and head Northwest across rough moorland. This effort is well rewarded after about 1.5 miles when the view opens up and you reach the viewpoint above Largs at the Haylie Brae. This is certainly the high point of the walk and worth bringing a camera for. After a well-earned rest head down to Douglas Park, cross the main A78, go down May Street onto the beach path. Walk south for five minutes or so to The Pencil and back to your starting point.

This anti-clockwise loop has the advantage of leaving the best till last and the Haylie Brae viewpoint is best approached from the top rather than facing a strenuous climb up at the end of your walk.