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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.