Ayrshire Coastal Path 12: Largs Marina to Skelmorlie

There are two options for this final section of the Path, a superb higher level route visiting the site of an old hillfort with spectacular views over Largs and the Firth of Clyde - or an easier low level route along pleasant minor roads.

Terrain

A mixture of metalled roads, beaten earth and grassy paths. The high route is very boggy in places - this is avoided on the low route which sticks to the minor roads.

Public Transport

Bus or train to centre of Largs (approx. 1km along route from start); bus to Skelmorlie or train to Wemyss Bay.

Start

Largs marina. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 291m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS209574

Maps, App and GPS

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Explorer 341 - Largs
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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Leaving the marina pass by The Pencil monument commemorating the Battle of Largs in 1263 which finally expelled the Vikings from western Scotland. Continue along the promenade past the Cumbrae ferry terminal and passing the RNLI lifeboat station and Vikingar on the right, before reaching Noddsdale Water and turning inland to reach the A78 road. From this point the path splits into High and Low routes. The high route is the one shown on the map and gpx data for this stage; if taking the Low route, cross the road, turn left and then right to follow quiet Routenburn Road uphill, passing the privately owned Knock Castle and Routenburn Golf Course whilst marvelling at the great views across the Clyde; the high route rejoins from the right.

Stage 2

To take the high route from the branch point in Largs, cross the road, turn right and then left to enter Barr Crescent. As soon as possible take the footpath on the left running alongside the stream - this is waymarked - and follow the stream until Brisbane Glen Road is reached. Turn left and follow the road, initially on pavement - but soon on the tarmac - take care. Take the waymarked track to Brisbane Mains Farm on the left. Pass through the farmyard and along the muddy track. As the angle of ascent increases the path becomes less defined and more boggy. Take the left (waymarked) fork at the end of a small copse to head northwest along a grassy track following the 145m contour line. At another fork the route of the Ayrshire Coastal Path continues ahead, though you can detour along the main track on the left to ascent up to the hill fort and trig before returning to this point. The detour gives superb views of the Cumbrae islands and Firth of Clyde.

Stage 3

Back on the main route, begin the descent towards Blackhouse Burn; the path leads through potentially muddy farmland. Ignore a path heading off to the left to enter a small wooded area where leaf litter creates a pleasing cushion underfoot. The path emerges at a minor road junction by Manor Park Hotel; at this point the Low Route is rejoined - turn right along the road. Continue along the road for a further 2km before descending steeply to reach Meigle and the A78.

Stage 4

Cross the road carefully, turn right and after 150m of hair-raising traffic interaction recross to head up the minor road towards Skelmorlie Castle. This road climbs steeply to reach the ancestral seat of the Montgomeries before flattening out and continuing northwards for a further 1km.

Stage 5

Upon reaching Skelmorlie the path begins a descent through the extremely pleasant village to reach Wemyss Bay and the bridge over Kelly Burn, the Ayrshire-Renfrew boundary and the end of the Ayrshire Coastal Path.

Route: Phil Turner

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