Ayrshire Coastal Path 11: Portencross to Largs Marina

Good paths lead along the shore from Portencross before the coastal path skirts beneath the massive hulks of Hunterston Power Station which dominates this area. It then leads onwards to the huge marina south of Largs.

Terrain

Surfaced roads and cycle paths, promenades and farm tracks.

Public Transport

None to start - nearest bus West Kilbride 2km from start. Bus/train at Largs.

Start

Portencross car park. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.25km / 7 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 35m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS176487

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Explorer 341 - Largs
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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

If using public transport, the walk is best picked up along the coast from near West Kilbride near the start of the previous stage; otherwise it begins from the car park in the hamlet of Portencross. Leave the car park onto the minor road as directed and head north past the houses before leaving the road to reach the well-preserved peel tower of Portencross Castle, built in the 14th century and occupied until 1739 when a storm damaged the roof.

Stage 2

The castle has a fascinating history, located halfway between Dundonald and Rothesay King Robert II was a frequent visitor. The tiny harbour beneath the tower still houses a few small boats in the summer months, replacing the small fishing fleet that was once protected here.

Stage 3

Follow the farm track north with views across to Wee Cumbrae and Milport beyond, past a modern concrete pier and into farmland beneath the sandstone cliffs of Ardneil Hill. Before long the towering rock is replaced by towering glass in the form of decommissioned Hunterston A Power Station, and the route leads along pavement between the silent reactor building and a construction worker compound. Further back from the road is the more modern Hunterston B Power Station, currently supplying 25% of Scotland's electricity. The public access road continues alongside Hunterston Sands and past the now derelict oil rig construction yard that failed to live up expectations after consuming millions of pounds of public money. The adjacent former ore terminal sits astride Southannan Sands - an important winter feeding ground for waders and seabirds - and now unloads coal via a huge conveyor to the railway line further inland. Leave the access road by branching left onto the former construction yard road before reaching a pavement alongside the A78.

Stage 4

Turn left along this, and enjoy 2.5 kilometres of easy walking along a surprisingly pleasant cycle track that threads through areas of woodland before arriving at small waterside picnic area at Burnfoot. Cross the footbridge and continue along the footpath beneath the seawall as the sea-view properties of well-to-do Fairlie are passed. Turn inland at Bay Street to reach the Parish Church, then turn left along the pavement to reach the entrance to Kelburn Country Park, estate of the Earl of Glasgow since the 13th century. In 2007 the Boyle family, ancestors of the first Earl, allowed a team of Brazilian graffiti artists to adorn the walls of Kelburn Castle with colourful murals. Cross the road opposite the park entrance to enter a cycle and footpath leading through a tunnel beneath the railway and continuing along a path between the railway and marina boundary fence. The path verges are decorated with a veritable anchor museum, loaned by the now closed NATO base at Fairlie Quay. After passing the multitude of yachts in the marina the path emerges at a car park outside the marina entrance. From here you can either continue along the next stage of the route to reach the centre of Largs, or take a bus from the nearby main road.

Route: Phil Turner

Next stage: Largs Marina to Skelmorlie

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