We are the Glasgow Ramblers. If you enjoy walking or want to give it a try come and join us.
Margaret D.
This 9mile walk starts in West Kilbride, Scotland’s first craft town and home to a variety of studios and galleries, as well as to many independent quaint shops. After walking along the main street, we head out of the town and start a 2 mile stretch of pavement walking alongside a relatively quiet road. We are surrounded by a lovely landscape of farmland, hills and views over to Arran, all making the pavement walk less tedious, as we make our way to the picturesque hamlet of Portencross (closest mainland point to Arran).
Leaving Portencross, we pick up the Ayrshire Coastal Path for a 7-mile walk, at times walking on the beach and at times walking on the path above the machair. As we head towards Ardrossan, we pass the rear of both the Seamill Hydro and the Waterside Hotel. On arrival in Ardrossan we require to take a short diversion between Ardrossan North Beach and Ardrossan Marina to allow for the North Shore Development which is still in progress. The diversion leads us into the town centre, handy for refreshments and the train station.
Enroute from West Kilbride to Portencross we must cross the very busy A78 road, so great care is required at this point. We shall have our main break (45 mins or so) at Portencross to allow everyone to visit Portencross Castle and to have plenty of time for an early lunch/snack at the benches and picnic tables close to the castle. There is no entry charge for the castle and the rooftop affords superb views over to both Little Cumbrae and Great Cumbrae, as well as to Arran. Our shorter break will be on the stretch of beach between the Waterside Hotel and Ardrossan. Footwear with ankle support is advisable as at times walking on the sand can be heavy going.
After leaving Central Station there are no toilets till arrival at Ardrossan. Walkers should not come on the walk if they have any symptoms related to the Covid Virus, and should carry an ICE card with essential contact details.
If you wish to come on the walk you must contact the Leader in advance by email, text or phone call, but not more than two weeks in advance (13th September). Also please provide the leader with a mobile number in case arrangements change.
Meet at Central Station outside Marks and Spencers at 0920, having bought a return ticket to West Kilbride in order to catch the 0945 Largs train.
West Kilbride Railway Station
Ardrossan Town Railway Station .There is an hourly train service to Central at 9 minutes to the hour.
