The route, which is 66 km long,[1] follows the course of the River Ayr from its source at Glenbuck Loch to the sea at Ayr, where the trail links with the Ayrshire Coastal Path.

[2] The path was developed as part of the Coalfield Access Project, a funding package of £2.5m that was used to improve public access to the countryside in the former mining districts of Ayrshire.

The route was officially opened in 2006 by broadcaster Fred Macaulay, and is now designated as one of Scotland's Great Trails by NatureScot.

[4] An ultramarathon is held annually along the entire length of the route, running "downhill" from source to sea.

A relay race is also run, allowing teams of two or three persons split the route into three sections.