Stage 12 Largs to Skelmorlie
12 The Pencil - Largs Seafront - Largs Pier - Vikingar – then:
a) ‘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
Car Parks: Largs Marina Public Car Park – Skelmorlie Station Road.
Walking summary: Moderate - pavements, paths, farm track, 200 m ascent, minor road, trunk road crossing
b) ‘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.
Points of Interest
Transport: Train service from Largs to Ayr and Glasgow. Train service to Glasgow from Wemyss Bay. 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 Station on Cumbrae.
Eating/Provisions: Largs town centre shops, pubs and restaurants. Skelmorlie shops and pubs.
Public Toilets: South Promenade. Largs Pier. Aubery Park. 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.