Explore The Coig - five new tourist routes for Scotland

Each route has been designed to showcase the natural beauty, history & heritage and food & drink, as well as the wide range of outdoor and family activities on offer across the region.

Visitors can follow a choice of routes as part of a day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh, or as a longer 'staycation' experience. 

The Coig ambassador

TV presenter Lee McKenzie is The Coig's ambassador and has strong links to the region, having grown up and started her career in the region. She is one of the most recognised faces on the nation’s TV screens, having presented Formula One over the last decade and is also now the face of Channel 4’s rugby and Paralympic coverage. 

She said: 'I was born and raised in this area and it holds so many happy memories for me, so I’m really proud to help people get out and active across the region this autumn, winter, and beyond. 

'One of my favourite walks is across the Brig o’ Doon. The banks of the river are so beautiful whatever the season. In the summer the colour of the flowers is so vibrant and in the winter, on a frosty winter’s day, it really is gorgeous. My go-to when it comes to relaxation and unwinding after getting off a plane or live TV is the beach. It’s nature at its best and no matter where I’ve been in the world, it always feels great to be home.'

An unforgettable landscape 

Gordon Smith, VisitScotland Regional Director, added: 'With five unique routes across Ayrshire, the Firth of Clyde and the Clyde Islands, The Coig is a brilliant new initiative which will showcase the beautiful scenery, fascinating history and outstanding food and drink offering in the area, as well as the wide range of outdoor and family activities available. I’m delighted that Lee McKenzie has got on board to help promote this exciting new visitor proposition.

The timing of this new initiative is particularly apt as we prepare to celebrate the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020. This year-long programme of events and activities will shine a spotlight on these vital elements of our landscape.'

For more information on The Coig, visit the website.

QUICK LINK: Start your next history adventure with our Exploring Scotland travel ideas