Routes
6.5 miles | 3 hours
Please note that there is currently a short diversion in place for Ayrshire Coastal Path users between Ardrossan Marina and Ardrossan North Beach. This is to allow the North Shore Development project to progress at the former Shell site.
Contractors working on behalf of North Ayrshire Council have erected metal fencing around the perimeter of the site to allow work to get started, so the published ACP route is currently not accessible.
Our Path Wardens have put up some temporary directional arrow stickers to keep you on the right path during the works.
Once complete, the North Shore Coastal Path should provide a fantastic upgrade to this stretch of ACP. It will see the construction of a new sea wall/revetment and 2kms of 4m wide multi-user path all the way from Mariners View to Montfode Roundabout. Work will continue into 2024, with no official completion date given at this time.
You can view the official diversion on the interactive map above in Red.
6.5 miles (10.5km) / 3 hrs
The difficulty of this route is Easy.
Promenades, pavements, paths, cycle tracks, sandy beaches. Ardrossan Harbour and Marina. Photogenic coastline. West Kilbride Craft Town.
We strongly advise the purchase of the Official Guidebook for a detailed description and map of the route as well as insightful information about the history, geography and natural history of the region.
We also advise the purchase of OS Explorer Map 341
Car parking
Ardrossan - on-street parking around Ardrossan Cross or car park at South Beach.
Portencross - Portencross car park (KA23 9QA)
Bus
There is no public transport to Portencross. Closest bus stops are 2 miles away on A78 with frequent bus services to/from Ardrossan. 13 min journey.
Train
There is no public transport to Portencross. Closest train station is West Kilbride 2.3 miles away, with frequent trains to/from Ardrossan. 7 min journey.
Ferry
Ferries for the Isle of Arran depart from Ardrossan.
Ardrossan Harbour. Iron Age duns on escarpment. Ancient fish cruives or traps. The Sea Mill.
Coastal birds and seals. Coastal geology.
Eating/Provisions
Rowan Tree roadside restaurant.
Waterside Inn.
Seamill and West Kilbride shops.
Public Toilets
A78 at North Crescent Rd (Superloo All year 24 hours).
West Kilbride Glen Rd (All year 0700 – 1700).
Accommodation
Hotels and B&Bs in Ardrossan.
Hotels and B&Bs in Seamill.
