Ayrshire Coastal Path 10: Ardrossan to Portencross

Leaving the industrial Three Towns behind, this section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path rejoins the relative tranquillity of the sandy shore beneath farmland and the Craft Town of West Kilbride.

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 start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

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

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Explorer 341 - Largs
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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Head right facing the Clyde Marina - a regenerative development in the former 19th Century coal port - to follow the waterfront. Passing the harbourmaster tower the low outline of Horse Isle is visible beyond the outer breakwater, surmounted by a tall beacon erected by the Earl of Eglinton in 1811. The next basin was formerly used by tankers discharging at the former Shell oil terminal. There are plans to redevelop this area to accommodate a further 360 berth marina, but for the time being the path winds along a slightly precarious path around the derelict facility.

Stage 2

Now in North Bay walkers can choose to follow the beach or the asphalt path alongside the road (or a combination of the two). The route is obvious, allowing attention to drift towards the jagged skyline of Arran on the horizon and scenic sandy beach penetrated by igneous dykes stretching for several kilometres ahead. Entering Seamill a footbridge across Kilbride Burn offers views towards the original 18th century Sea Mill from which the settlement takes its name. Continue along the beach beneath Seamill Hydro Hotel, a former hydropathic spa that now houses extensive conference and leisure facilities and occasionally hosts the Scotland football team.

Stage 3

A small car park signals an escape route for walkers up to the village and A78 road (and public transport in West Kilbride), otherwise continue along a well-made path between the golf course and beach - often well populated with joggers from the dormitory town of West Kilbride. Stay on the path along Ardneil Bay to round Farland Head, with the Iron Age fort and dun coming into view atop Auld Hill.

Stage 4

The path peters out here, necessitating a brief walk across the shingle to reach a kissing gate in the field boundary ahead. Head through this into a potentially boggy livestock field and cross to reach Portencross car park.

Route: Phil Turner

Next stage: Portencross to Largs Marina

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