Ayrshire Coastal Path
The Ayrshire Coastal Path runs from Glenapp to Skelmorlie which is a distance of 100 miles. There is an excellent guide book describing the route which you can buy from the website which is www.ayrshirecoastalpath.org
The route has constantly changing panoramic views over The Clyde to Ailsa Craig, Cumbrae, Arran, Bute and the Cowal Peninsula. The route was officially opened in 2008 and its creation was driven forward by Ayr Rotary Club.
Largs is a lovely seaside town with beaches and a promenade, cafes and restaurants. The Pencil monument marks the site of the Battle of Largs. The battle was fought in 1246 and resulted in the Vikings being forced out of Scotland after 400 years. A museum and various bits of art work commemorate the links between Largs and The Vikings.
The route follows the promenade to the outskirts of
Largs and then (if you follow the High Route) it moves away from
the coast and takes you high above the sea to the summit of Knock
Hill from where you get a wonderful view of the coastline stretched
out below you.
Largs to Skelmorlie - 10 Miles
There is an optional low route which cuts a bit off the distance but this means missing out an ascent of Knock Hill which gives a rewarding panoramic view of the The Cumbraes, Arran, Bute and the Cowal Peninsula.
A Calmac ferry leaves Largs every half hour carrying passengers and cars to and from Cumbrae - a visit to Millport is a very popular trip for many people.
The route descends back down to a minor road that follows the
line of the coast at a distance until it brings you into Skelmorlie
where we caught a bus back to our start point in Largs.
The name Brisbane features regularly around here in the names of roads, bridges and farms. Sir Thomas Brisbane lived around here before he left for Australia where he was in charge of a penal colony and the city of Brisbane was named after him.
I found this to be a very enjoyable and interesting route that provides a very enjoyable day out.
The video on the left gives a brief impression of the Largs to Skelmolie section.
ronnie@outandaboutinscotland.co.uk
21st September 2016