12. Largs to Skelmorlie | Route Path

Walking Summary

Begins along Largs promenade. Then a choice of routes:
Route 12a
11.5 km (7.1 miles) / 3.5 hours
Easy – pavements, minor roads, trunk road crossing.‘
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

Route 12b
9.3 miles (15km) / 4.5 hrs
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.
‍‘High Road’ along Noddleburn Road - Brisbane Glen Road - Brisbane Mains - Knock Hill - Meigle – A78 (T) – Skelmorlie Bridge – Skelmorlie Castle – Red Road to Skelmorlie – Kelly Burn and County Boundary

Official Guidebook

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 Parks and Transport

Car parking
Largs - car park at Marina (KA30 8EZ) or on Esplanade (KA30 8BG) - charges apply
Skelmorlie - Wemyss Bay train station (PA18 6AA) 15 min walk from the Ayrshire Coastal Path trailhead - charges apply. On street parking also available in Upper Skelmorlie - 10 mins walk from the ACP trailhead.

Bus
Frequent bus service connects Largs and Skelmorlie. 13 min journey.

Trains
Trains from Largs to Ayr/GlasgowTrains from Wemyss Bay to Glasgow
No direct train service between Largs and Wemyss Bay

Ferry
Ferries for Great Cumbrae Island (Millport) depart from Largs. Ferries for the Isle of Bute depart from Wemyss Bay (just outside Skelmorlie)

Historical Sights

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.

Nature

Coastal flora and fauna.
Marine Research Centre on Cumbrae.

Planning your Trip

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.