Stage 12 Largs to Skelmorlie

The Pencil – Largs Seafront – Largs Pier – Vikingar – then: Choice of two Routes:

12A. ‘High Road’ up Noddsdale Water – Brisbane Glen Road – Brisbane Mains Farm – The Knock Hill – Blackhouse Burn – Red Road to Skelmorlie – Kelly Burn and County Boundary

Distance: 15 km = 9.3 mile      Time: 4.5 hoursstage-12-map


Walking summary: Moderate – pavements, paths, farm track, 200 m ascent, minor road, trunk road crossing. Sensitive livestock area – Lambing and calving. Dogs not advised unless on close lead.

12B. ‘Low Road’ along Routenburn Road ((Red Road) – Knock Castle – Meigle – A78 (T) – Skelmorlie Bridge – Skelmorlie Castle – Red Road to Skelmorlie – Kelly Burn and County Boundary

Distance = 11.5 km = 7.1 miles      Time: 3.5 hours

Walking Summary: Easy – pavements, minor roads, trunk road crossing.

We strongly advise purchase of the Guide Book for a detailed description and map of the route. Plus OS Explorer Map 341.

Car Parks: Largs Yacht Haven Public Car Park – Skelmorlie Station Road.

Transport: Train service from 1. Largs to Ayr and Glasgow. 2. Wemyss Bay to Glasgow. Good bus service . Ferry from Largs to Great Cumbrae. Ferry from Wemyss Bay to Isle of Bute.

Historical: Site of Battle of Largs. Neolithic chambered cairn. Skelmorlie Aisle. Vikingar Visitor Centre. Netherhall – former home of Lord Kelvin. Brisbane Glen – birthplace of Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane. The Prophet’s Grave. The Knock – Iron Age vitrified fort.

General: Beach promenade. Small visitor-friendly holiday resort. Ferry to Cumbrae and round the island bicycle trip. Trips on the Waverley. RNLI Station. Panoramic views from The Knock.

Nature: Coastal flora and fauna. Marine Research Centre on Cumbrae.

Eating/Provisions: Largs town centre shops, pubs and restaurants. Skelmorlie shops and pubs.

Public Toilets: Largs Pencil (Apr-Sep 0900 – 1800). Largs Pier (All year 0700 – 1800). Largs Broomfields (All year 0800 – 1700). Aubery Park (All year 0800 – 1700). Wemyss Bay Pier.

Accommodation: Largs B&Bs, hotels and guest houses. Skelmorlie B&Bs, hotels and guest houses. Skelmorlie Caravan and Campsite. See the accommodation section for more information.

  1. Glenapp to Ballantrae
  2. Ballantrae to Lendalfoot
  3. Lendalfoot to Girvan
  4. Girvan to Maidens
  5. Maidens to Dunure
  6. Dunure to Ayr
  7. Ayr to Troon
  8. Troon to Irvine
  9. Irvine to Ardrossan
  10. Ardrossan to Portencross
  11. Portencross to Largs
  12. Largs to Skelmorlie

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