There are various starting points for this walk depending on your ability. The main walk starts from the Largs promenade as you follow the path of Pencil Walk (click the map for details) until you reach May Street. Take a shortcut through Anderson Park and across the main road into Douglas Park. This pleasant park of formal gardens and tennis courts belies the strenuous climb ahead. Even if you are not going all the way to the top of hill, you should pass through the gates to the upper park and make a short detour right to the Haylie Chambered Tomb (see HISTORY page). This small but ancient 3000BC Neolithic tomb was discovered in 1772 by James Wilson of Haylie when it still contained the remains of 5 people.

Retrace your steps to the gate into the upper park and climb at your leisure stopping periodically to admire the views of the Clyde. Having accomplished the long flight of steps, walk south to view the surrounding hills from the indicator at the viewpoint.

From the viewpoint follow the circular route north to Castle Hill. This appears as a rocky knoll on top of which are traces of an Iron Age Fort. There are signs of a ditch topped by a low rampart. Continue the circular route until you rejoin the path back to the promenade.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: If you do not fancy the strenuous walk up from Douglas Park you can access the highest ground from the Car Park at the top of the Haylie Brae. There is a lower viewpoint which can be easily accessed at this popular picnic stop. You can also cross over the fence and make your way up the hill to the highest viewpoint mentioned earlier with its dramatic views. Click on some of the viewpoints on the map for photographs giving a flavour of this impressive location.