Arrived here via a search engine? Go to the main Ayrshire Paths website.
Things to do around Largs
Largs
is a pleasant seaside resort on the west coast of Scotland just 1 hour from
Glasgow in the North of Ayrshire. As well as the usual seaside attractions,
Largs is well placed for a variety of activities for the whole family.
Walking:
The
paths listed on this site cover coastal, moorland and hill walks. These
are quite steep and challenging in places and those wanting an easier day
out can tackle parts of the walks most accessible from the town or nearby
car parks.
The Haylie Brae is a famous feature of Largs and no visit is complete without
a stop-off at the car park on the Dalry Road and a photograph or two from
the viewpoint. There is a lower viewpoint and a higher one over the fence
and up the larger hill. Depending on your ability, both are rewarding. It
is also a good point to stop for a picnic with the family before dropping
down into Largs or continuing inland.
The walks at Largs are outlined on the main map for the area. It is recommended
that you take a more detailed map with you particularly when tackling the
moorland and more remote corners, such as the Ordnance
Survey Explorer map 341 covering the area.
For a less formal stroll follow the promenade and beach from Largs to The
Pencil and then stop for lunch at the Yacht Club. Other paths include the
walk from Fairlie, past Hunterston to Portencross - check your Ordnance
Survey map or follow signs.
Cycling:
Largs
is accessible by bicycle from National Cycle Route 7 at Ardrossan. A continuation
of a local cycle route will take you through Seamill, West Kilbride and
Largs. Some sections are off-road, please take care with on-road sections.
A good circular route is the path around Hunterston and Portencross. Check
the National
Cycle Route website for details and the status of cycle paths in the
area.
If you want a great day out with few hills to climb then there is nothing
better than cycling around Cumbrae. Just 10 minutes from Largs by ferry
you can take your bike or hire one on the island.
Many smaller roads are ideal for a day's cycling and the road sections of
the Knock Walk along Routenburn or the Brisbane Glen Road are popular with
local cyclists. Beware of traffic particularly if you are tackling the infamous
Haylie Brae as the road is winding, very steep, and very busy.
Golf:
Routenburn
Golf Course to the North of Largs is a
hilly, course with great views over the Cumbraes to Arran, across to Bute,
and to the hills of the South West Highlands. The course is at Routenburn
Road. Details and bookings for this challenging 18 hole course can be obtained
by phoning 01475 687240.
The course at Largs Golf Club to the South of the town is situated just
a few hundred yards from the sea yet is not a links course. Largs Golf Club
is an 18 hole, 6100 yard parkland/woodland course adjacent to Kelburn Estate.
This is a private course however visitors are welcome.
For those spending some time across on Cumbrae there is an 18 hole heathland
golf course near Millport.
If you want to brush up on your technique, improve your swing and lower
your handicap then the Scottish
National Sports Centre Inverclyde run courses to improve your golf.
Fishing:
Largs
and Fairlie have a heritage of fishing being located on the fine waters
of the Clyde and near Lochs and now several reservoirs. Haylie Trout fishery
is a 4 acre loch with bank fishing for Rainbow and Brown Trout. For more
information on Haylie Trout Fishery call 01475-676005. Fly fishing for Rainbow
Trout is available at Middleton Fishery off the Brisbane Glen Road. For
more information call 01475 672095. In addition the Scottish
National Sports Centre Inverclyde run courses on fly fishing at Middleton
Reservoir. Sea fishing for Ling, Cod, and Mackerel depending on season can
be enjoyed off the coast and around Cumbrae. For boat charter and rod hire
information click
here. If you just like eating fish rather than catching them then just
south of Fairlie is Fencebay
where you can enjoy some traditional Fairlie Kippers.
Bird
Watching:
There
are many opportunities for bird watching around Largs due to the wide range
of habitats including moorland, cliff faces, lochs, seashore, rivers, estuaries
and woodland -
at Fairlie, the Brisbane Glen, and the estuary at Noddsdale Water. A free
book detailing birdlife throughout Ayrshire 'Birdwatching in Ayrshire and
Arran' is available at Tourist Information Centres.
Vikingar:
Vikingar
is an award winning multimedia historical, action packed Viking experience.
Storytellers will take you back 500 years to the time of the Vikings where
you can absorb the sights, sounds and smells of the period. If you prefer
the 21st century then Vikingar Leisure Centre has a range of activities
for the whole family from swimming to fitness, children's play areas, theatre,
cinema and a conference centre with special events. For a taste of traditional
seaside fun, challenge the family to a game of putting on the front lawn.
For more information on Vikingar
click here.
Kelburn:
Kelburn
Castle is the family home of the Earls of Glasgow. The Boyles have owned
the lands since 1140. The Castle dates from 1581 with later additions. The
grounds are now a Country Park and activities centre. The home farm is a
visitors' centre with events during the year such as birds of prey demonstrations,
hot air balloon festivals etc. Kelburn has a Ranger service with guided
walks for groups. There are also excellent riding and trekking facilities.
The children will love the Adventure Course and you can always enjoy lunch
at the Square. There is an admission fee for visitors. For more information
on Kelburn click
here.
Water
Sports :
The
Firth of Clyde has some of the finest sailing waters in the world. Largs
has berthing services for resident and visiting yachts. The 600 berth Largs
yacht haven provides 24 hour service for fuel and gas and a 45 ton hoist.
There is a dive centre, sailing school and yacht charter available to both
visitors and members as well as a licensed restaurant and coffee shop on
site. Diving is a popular activity with a number of interesting wrecks around
the coastline including a Catalina seaplane. For more information on wrecks
in the area and diving charters click here.
Scotland's
first National Sailing Academy is based at Largs. The facility will provide
a fully equipped championship venue. Across on Cumbrae is the National Watersports Centre and the Sailaway
Sea School which provide instruction for beginners and advanced sailors
including shore based navigation courses, powerboat handling, dinghy sailing
and windsurfing. For more information courses click
here. For details of the best locations and conditions for windsurfing
off Largs click here. Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park in west central
Scotland extends from Greenock in the north down the Clyde coast to Inverkip,
Largs and West Kilbride and inland to Lochwinnoch. The village of Lochwinnoch
is only a 10 minute drive south west from Glasgow Airport. The Park is 106
square miles of magnificent countryside that includes woodland, moorland,
lochside and coastal scenery for everyone to enjoy. It is ideal for walking,
cycling, sailing, canoeing, fishing, picnics, local and natural history,
or simply relaxing in spectacular surroundings.
Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park:
Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park stretches from Greenock in the north to Inverkip,
Largs and West Kilbride and inland to Lochwinnoch. Clyde Muirshiel is 106
sq miles of moorland, lochs and hills with easy access from Glasgow and
Ayrshire. It is great for walking, cycling, canoeing, fishing, wildlife
or just enjoying a picnic with the family. There are visitor centres, Rangers
and organised activities. For details of locations and activities click
here for the Clyde Muirshiel website.
Accommodation:
Being a
seaside resort there are excellent B&B's and Hotels in the area. Go
to the Ayrshire
and Arran Tourist Board website to search for accommodation.