Scotland's Coastal Escape Offers Breathtaking Trails, Fresh-Caught Seafood, And Cozy Pubs

The town and sea port of Troon, Scotland, is a destination for travelers looking to enjoy beaches, golfing, historic hikes, and locally caught seafood – all quintessentially Scottish attractions. Troon is in the northern part of South Ayrshire, a region of the country comprising 45 miles of rugged coastline dotted with about two dozen rural villages and market towns. Visitors can reach this area of Scotland by flying to Glasgow Airport, which is 30 miles northeast of Troon, and making the rest of their journey by train, bus, taxi, or rental car.

Today, Troon is a town of about 15,000 residents. But in the early 1800s, it was a tiny fishing village — until the fourth Duke of Portland added docks to town's harbor. The opening of a railway a few years later and the establishment of a shipbuilding company later in the 19th century drove up the population of the town. By the end of the century, Troon was listed among the top ten coal ports in Britain.

Now, visitors flock to the town for its wide, sandy beaches and world-class golfing. To take full advantage of what the area has to offer, it's best to travel to Troon during the warmer months, from May to September, when you're more likely to get a sunny day to enjoy the town's best features. And be sure to pack your swimsuit.

If you're a golfer visiting Troon, you must plan to hit the links at the Royal Troon Golf Club, which has played host to the British Open 10 times. Golfers have been playing here since 1878, and six architects had a hand in developing its original "Old" course. The club's season runs from April to October, and availability for tee times run out quickly. To reserve a time, visitors should email the club at bookingsmanager@royaltroon.com. Playing a round costs golfers 365 pounds, or about $453, for its Old course, and 125 pounds, or $155, for its Portland course.

While Scotland is home to some of the world's most gorgeous golf courses, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the country, including its beaches. In Troon, there are two: Troon Beach and Barassie Beach. Troon Beach, right in the heart of town, has sand dunes and rock outcroppings that offer views in the distance of Isle Arran, an island in the estuary named the Firth of Clyde. There's a playground for children, as well as a popular promenade where vendors sell ice cream and fish and chips. The quieter Barassie Beach is located to the north, around a bend in the coast. Kite surfing is popular there, and local companies offer lessons for beginners.

Hiking is another popular activity in Scotland — and one that can be done at any time of year, if you pack the right clothes. Smugglers Trail, a 6.4-mile hike, takes visitors along an old path used by smugglers who transported tea, tobacco, alcohol and other goods from Troon to Dundonald. The trail ends at Dundonald Castle, a fortified tower built in the 14th century. From there, hikers can make the 6.4-mile walk back to Troon or catch a local bus.

Troon offers a variety of accommodations, including quaint bed and breakfasts and small inns, stately, historic hotels on large acreages, and modern seaside lodges. The lodging options span price points and are generally more expensive in the summer, from the luxury Lochgreen House Hotel & Spa, which costs about $300 per night in the summer, to the more budget-friendly Davis Guest House, with a nightly rate of $110. 

Deciding where to eat might be just as difficult as selecting a place to stay, given the sheer number of restaurants. Thanks to its close proximity to the sea, fish is a prominent feature on many local menus. That's true of Scotts Bar and Restaurant, a modern, seaside spot with great views. Its menu includes "freshly landed lobster," as well as prawns, whitebait, crayfish, salmon and classic fish and chips. At Bisque, the restaurant at the Lochgreen House Hotel & Spa, dinner options are centered around what the head chef procures from the surrounding area. That includes Orkney scallops, locally caught langoustine, and crab. To get a look at seafood caught straight from the Firth of Clyde, check out The Pier near Troon's harbor. The fishmonger sells mostly fresh and smoked fish for customers to take home and cook, but it also boasts a deli offering seasonal pre-prepared dishes.

It wouldn't be a visit to the British Isles without a trip to the pub, but make sure you learn some unspoken etiquette rules to keep you from standing out like a tourist. The 200-year-old Harbour Bar is a fantastic option. It's located on the seaside and continues that theme indoors with nautical decor an array of locally distilled whiskeys. The Fox is a newer establishment that's quickly gained popularity for its selection of drinks and laidback atmosphere.