North Ayrshire

8 miles / 13 km

A flat walk out to Portencross castle and then back again through the park around Hunterston Castle. The walk takes in two small castles and is pretty interesting. This is a good, long walk for the winter months.

Pretty Hard

The walk is flat with some good surface. The half a mile / one km between Portencross and Hunterston is on gravel and hard earth surface. It can be slippery during the winter months. Plenty of drinks and good shoes are required here.

Train from Glasgow/Paisley/Kilwinning once an hour. Bus from Kilwinning twice an hour.

The walk starts from the West Kilbride train station. West Kilbride is a scenic village, worthy of a long stop. But the walk goes straight up the pretty steep St. Bride's Road (choose the right pavement) to a roundabout which the walk is crossing straight through; take aim at the mountains of Arran. You should now be in Portencross Road. The road now drops down the hill towards the main Ardrossan to Largs road.
The views from the top of the hill here towards the mighty impressive mountains of Arran and the road leading to Portencross Castle is very impressive and inspiring. Cross the main road with caution and continue on the good pavement on Portencross Road. This is one of the most scenic roads in Ayrshire.




This road ends at the Portencross Castle, which has also given the name to this walk. A pretty interesting castle, made to defend the coast and the population centres further up the Clyde River against marauding invaders. These lines are written by a Norwegian citizen, btw. (oouch !)






The path straight north from the castle first follows a gravel path and then becomes grassy and slightly muddy. The path is a bit slippery underfoot. The views to the vertical cliffs to the right are impressive. Millport on Great Cumbrae can be spotted to the north.



After half a mile, the path enters the tarmac road at Hunterston Power Station. Continue on this and take to the grass verges on the road to the right, the Oilrig Road which you are following for 400 yards/meters to a crossroad with a car park to the left and a road going up between some trees to the right. Take this road to the right.



After 100 yards/meters, take the path to the left again which will take you next to a farm field up to and past Hunterston Castle.



The Hunterston Castle is not particular impressive. Nevertheless, it is a castle and the second castle on this walk. The walk through this park is pretty gentle and scenic too so no complaints..

The path joins a road which takes you up to the Largs - Ardrossan main road. Follow this on the path next to it up a small hill to the West Kilbride signpost. Take this road to the left up a small hill where you reach a small farm and the first houses in West Kilbride after a gentle climb. Take the first road to the left again, down the hill to West Kilbride train station where this walk ends.

Train from West Kilbride to Largs or Glasgow/Paisley 1 time an hour.