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 hours


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.