Great Cumbrae Inner Circle

Summary

This circular walk links the ferry pier at the northern end of Great Cumbrae with the town of Millport on its southern coastline. It does so by following the quiet country lanes at the heart of the island, also visiting the highest point; there are superb views throughout.

Grade

Bog Factor

2.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Mostly quiet tarmac roads; some sections on grassy tracks and paths with stiles. A short part can be very muddy, fields with livestock.

Getting there

Start

Cumbrae slip.

Public Transport

Regular ferry service from Largs, which has bus and train connections.

Start Grid Ref

NS183586

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.5km / 7.25 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 221m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 341 - Greenock

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

The walk starts from the Cumbrae slip, which is served by regular Calmac ferries from Largs. There is a good bus link to Millport from here, but this walk provides an excellent alternative. Begin by turning left off the slipway as you disembark from the ferry. The first section of road is the busiest, but after 400m - and before you reach the watersports centre - turn right up an initially tarred track signed for Portyre Farm steading. The lane soon becomes unsurfaced as it climbs the hill; when it swings to the right leave it and instead go over the stile straight ahead.

Stage 2

The walk continues through a grassy field - this part can sometimes be very muddy - keeping a fence on your left, before crossing another stile and meeting a track. Turn left along this. The lane passes through several gates before emerging at a minor road via another stile.

Stage 3

Turn right along the road. After rounding a bend a junction is reached - turn sharp right here onto a narrower road. This curves around the north side of Tonnel Hill, giving great views over to the Isle of Bute, Dunoon and the Cowal peninsula. Pass an old mineral well and continue along the road, soon reaching a small parking area by the highest point on the island. Detour to the right here to visit the Glaid Stone - there's also a trig point and view indicator for the superb 360 degree panorama.

Stage 4

Return to the road and continue along it. There are great views to the mountains of Arran on the descent, before the road continues down towards the edge of Millport. At a road junction turn left.

Stage 5

When the first houses are reached on the left side of the road turn right onto a signed footpath heading into the woods. The path is known as Cow Lane; continue ahead along it until it emerges by the very fine Cathedral of the Isles and its attached college. This episcopal church is thought to be the smallest Cathedral in Europe, and is well worth a visit. Continue past it to emerge through a stone arch onto a road, and then turn left.

Stage 6

Very soon the road reaches the waterfront promenade of Millport, the main town of Great Cumbrae, with the charm of old seaside resorts. The centre of the town with shops and cafes is to the right along the road and only a short detour; our route instead turns left along the front.

Stage 7

Just after the end of the main beach you can detour out onto the rocks to see the Crocodile Rock - a real Cumbrae landmark. Continue along the road to the second beach - Kames Bay. If you don't fancy walking back you can catch a bus back to the slipway from here.

Stage 8

Otherwise fork left onto Ferry Road to begin the walk back to the north end of the island. When the road forks after 1.7km keep right to begin the descent back to the coast. Turn left at the coast road to return to the slip.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Ayrshire Hotels

Ayrshire B&B

Glasgow, Ayrshire & Lanark cottages

Glasgow, Ayrshire & Lanark hostels

Glamping and Camping

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?