Ayrshire Coastal Path 10: Ardrossan to Portencross

Summary

Leaving the Three Towns behind, this section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path stays close to the sea, following a mix of surfaced shared cycleway close by the road at first, then by the sea and sandy beach to reach the tiny harbour and ancient castle at Portencross.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Surfaced roads and cycle paths, promenades and sandy beaches.

Public Transport

Good bus / train links to Ardrossan. Portencross has no public transport; 2km walk from West Kilbride (which would make an alternative break of stage for those using public transport).

Start

Ardrossan harbour and marina. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.5km / 6.5 miles
Time: 3 -3.5 hours
Ascent: 5m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS227421

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

WARNING

Easy, short, signed diversion on roads after Clyde Marina in Ardrossan to pass round the North Shore development site until 2026.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

As you face the Clyde Marina in Ardrossan looking out to sea turn right to follow the waterfront then bearing left to stay between the yachts and the apartment blocks aiming for a tall tower. Originally founded as a coal and iron port in the 18th century this area was regenerated in 1997. Pass the harbourmaster tower with good views to Horse Isle beyond the breakwater. Continue next to the water soon coming to an inland diversion due to the redevelopment of the former Shell oil terminal into housing and a marina (estimated completion end 2026 when it is likely the Ayrshire Coastal Path will return to a coastal route).

Stage 2

The diversion is signed with green stickers on lamposts and follows the road until the T junction and turns left. Keep straight on and follow the road past the last houses on the left heading slightly uphill and bend left. Soon the road returns to the seafront. Join a surfaced cycle route on the left and follow it as it heads north along the coast between the sea and the A738.

Stage 3

The next 3.5km follows the shared cycleway between the shore and road. There are good views over to Arran with Goatfell prominent and plenty of benches and places to get down onto the sand for a break or to walk along the beach as an alternative. Continue until just before the Waterside Hotel and turn down on the path to the beach to continue on the sands, crossing a small burn and passing below the hotel and caravans.

Stage 4

At the headland go up to a path in the dune next to a fence and follow this just inland from the shore. This soon passes the backs of houses at Seamill before heading down a ramp onto the beach, immediately crossing a footbridge (head right here to visit West Kilbride) and continuing on the sand. Look out for a white house with small turret and leave the beach here to continue on a path between the shore and golf course.

Stage 5

Just before Farland Head the path reaches a track heading inland, bear left here to rejoin the beach and continue on the shore until a metal kissing gate just before the end of the headland marks the start of the path. Cross open ground to soon reach the car park and picnic tables at Portencross.

Next stage: Portencross to Largs Marina

Route Profile

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