This is the section of the NCN7 which runs from Glasgow south to Ayr. It’s mostly on old railway routes as far as Glengarnock, then it’s (quite hilly) back roads (the B707) for about 8 miles until Kilwinning. Locally, there is a campaign to re-route this section to a flatter, traffic-free option.
Due to the construction of a new bypass, the B707 (and so the cycle route too) is currently closed (and impassible) near where it crosses the A737. It will be closed for at least 2 months. The diversion route is poorly and ambiguously signposted, and is unsuitable for most cyclists (it’s really only for cars, along the busy A737 for about 2 miles).
It’s closed at the point marked (2) below, as are several of the surrounding minor roads.
Neither Sustrans, the local council or the contractor have put up any signage acknowledging that they have closed part of the National Cycle Route and suggesting alternatives.
There is an alternative route which, although not ideal, only uses the A737 for about 100 yards, and even then there is a pavement. But it’s not signposted, and going each direction, you’ll have to leave the NCN7 several km before the blockage.
Coming south, once you leave Glengarnock/longbar (3 on the map below) and climb the steep hill to Auchengree farm shop (4), you would turn right, and follow that road to ‘The Den” (5). Turn right onto the A737, then about 100 yards later go Left. Follow that road to next junction and go right - this will take you almost to where the road is closed (6). You then go left, almost turning back on yourself and later take a right which eventually takes you on to the NCN about half way between Dalry and Kilwinning (1).
Due to the construction of a new bypass, the B707 (and so the cycle route too) is currently closed (and impassible) near where it crosses the A737. It will be closed for at least 2 months. The diversion route is poorly and ambiguously signposted, and is unsuitable for most cyclists (it’s really only for cars, along the busy A737 for about 2 miles).
It’s closed at the point marked (2) below, as are several of the surrounding minor roads.
Neither Sustrans, the local council or the contractor have put up any signage acknowledging that they have closed part of the National Cycle Route and suggesting alternatives.
There is an alternative route which, although not ideal, only uses the A737 for about 100 yards, and even then there is a pavement. But it’s not signposted, and going each direction, you’ll have to leave the NCN7 several km before the blockage.
Coming south, once you leave Glengarnock/longbar (3 on the map below) and climb the steep hill to Auchengree farm shop (4), you would turn right, and follow that road to ‘The Den” (5). Turn right onto the A737, then about 100 yards later go Left. Follow that road to next junction and go right - this will take you almost to where the road is closed (6). You then go left, almost turning back on yourself and later take a right which eventually takes you on to the NCN about half way between Dalry and Kilwinning (1).
