A 39-mile celebration of John Galt, the author who began life in Irvine, founded the city of Guelph in Canada, and died in Greenock - six walk sections of varying lengths in Ayrshire and Inverclyde . . .

On another page: the maps of 1820/21, published as Galt was writing 'The Ayrshire Legatees'

Heritage Highlights

- these Heritage Panels appear in the relevant route descriptions -

James Montgomery, author of "Angels in the Realms of Glory" was born in Irvine - the retail park car park  now occupies the site.

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John Galt's birthplace is only a few steps from Irvine Cross, where his travellers would catch the coach to Greenock.

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The Gallows Stone is almost hidden in the grass, but adds a gory detail to your hertiage experience.

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Irvine is justly proud of its 1896 statue to the poet Robert Burns, shown looking south towards his birthplace at Alloway.

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Cafes + more - route section A

If you're the cafe/restaurant owner, we can add a link to your website (email us for info)

Duncans Restaurant,
within the Harbour Arts Centre,
originally a Mission Hall - website

The Ship Inn, owned by
Thomas Milligan in Galt's days
(on Wood's 1819 town plan)

Gro Coffee & Cake,
once the Cross Keys Inn

Smalltalk coffee shop,
once the Harbour Post Office

The Harbour Lights,
once the Victoria Hotel

Puffers Cafe, part of the
Scottish Maritime Museum

The Niche Restaurant

Cafes + more - route section B

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A selection of rendezvous points safely accessible by car
  • Rendezvous spots - section  A - to follow
  • Rendezvous spots - section B - to follow
  • Rendezvous spots - section C - to follow
  • Rendezvous spots - section D - to follow
  • Rendezvous spots - section E - to follow
  • Rendezvous spots - section F - to follow
General information
  • GENERAL INFORMATION & NOTES:
  • The walk - the route from Irvine to Greenock is described in six sections (A to F), each described both northwards and southwards. Walking north to south may prove the more pleasant direction, in terms of prevailing winds and interesting views.  
  • The Waypoints - the route has 23 Waypoints, each pinpointed by the ///What3Words app. Some are at places convenient for public transport and/or for meeting a vehicle. The ///What3Words phrase enables friends (or emergency services!) to find you easily.
  • What3Words is the simplest way to identify a location - each 3 metre square of the world has a unique combination of three words! It is used for e-commerce and delivery, navigation, emergencies and more. Download the free app and never get lost again! For example, the Irvine end of the walk is at ///even.sober.flips - try it out.
  • The associated paths  - there are several overlapping paths, namely:
    the Ayrshire Coastal Path runs (from Glenapp) via Irvine, north to the Kelly Burn near Wemyss Bay,
    the Clyde Coastal Path runs north from the Kelly Burn to (and beyond) Greenock, and
    the Whithorn Way (Glasgow to Whithorn) overlaps the John Galt Way between Kilwinning and Irvine
  • Walkers should take responsibility for the safety of themselves and their companions and take all sensible steps to avoid damage to paths and to minimise disturbance to livestock, crops, wildlife, and other users of the Way. If walking on the beach during the nesting season, try to stay below the tide-line. Please always take litter away with you for disposal in appropriate facilities.
  • While we take great care to attain accuracy throughout, the organisers cannot accept responsibility for any accident or injury sustained by walkers using the routes we describe.
John Galt Way

Email: info@irvineburnsclub.org
Museum: Wellwood Burns Centre, 28 Eglinton Street, Irvine, KA12 8AS
© Irvine Burns Club