Routes
6.5 miles | 3 hours
North Ayrshire Council have announced a temporary closure on their website:
It will be necessary to temporarily close the coastal path till around the end of February 2026 to allow the Safe System of Work to be followed when installing drainage adjacent to the path. The path will be closed from 7th January 2026 between Mariner’s View and North Crescent Road. A signed diversion will be in place via Montgomerie Street during this period.
6.5 miles (10.5km) / 3 hrs
Easy
Terrain - Promenades, pavements, paths, cycle tracks, sandy beaches.
Highlights - 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.
