Peden’s Cove is hidden inside Ayr Gorge Woodland, a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve. This beautiful and ancient woodland is formed around an incredible red sandstone canyon, which gives the water of the River Ayr a vibrant red appearance when the sun shines directly onto it! Peden’s Cove, a set of steps carved into the red sandstone cliffs, is reached a mile along the footpath.
Description
(S/E) Facing the Failford Inn (KA5 5TF), head right (South West) on B743.
(1) Immediately after crossing a bridge over the Water of Fail, turn left (South) to enter Ayr Gorge Woodlands.
(2) Follow this woodland trail across a footbridge then up a steep staircase. At the top of the stairs keep left at any forks in the path (not shown on map).
(3) The River Ayr is on your left-hand side and the path follows the course of the river for 870m to a fork. Keep left.
(4) 360m along you will reach Peden's Cove viewpoint.
Retrace your steps to return to the Failford Inn (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 57 m - Failford Inn
- 1 : km 0.1 - alt. 58 m - Ayr Gorge Woodlands entrance
- 2 : km 0.26 - alt. 72 m - Staircase
- 3 : km 1.19 - alt. 60 m - Fork - keep left
- 4 : km 1.56 - alt. 73 m - Peden's Cove Viewpoint
- S/E : km 3.11 - alt. 57 m - Failford Inn
Useful Information
For more information and a walk review visit Gillian's Walks
Transport
By car: there are a few parking spaces just off B74 opposite the Failford Inn
By bus: there is a bus service to Failford from Cumnock or Ayr
Terrain
There is a large set steps on this route and the earth footpaths can become muddy after rain
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
- Failford Inn - serves bar meals. Check opening times via their Facebook page.
- Peden's Cove - it is said that the steps were cut into the sandstone by covenanters so that Alexander Peden could preach to his congregation gathered on the opposite bank. There is an information board at the viewpoint which asks that we don't walk onto the sandstone steps, in order to preserve them.
- Ayr Gorge Woodlands - a wildlife reserve cared for by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The River Ayr is lined by red sandstone cliffs forming a canyon and in the right light when the sun is shining directly into the river, the water actually appears red thanks to the sandstone beneath it.
