Great Cumbrae Island Loop
Great Cumbrae also known as the Isle of Cumbrae is the larger of the two islands known as The Cumbraes in the lower Firth of Clyde in western Scotland. The island is said to have been inhabited since the ice age and is today home to the National Water sports Centre, the Cathedral of the Isles, The University Marine Biological Station and the Robertson Museum and Aquarium just east of the islands main town, Millport. The holiday island has an 18-hole golf course which sweeps almost to the summit Barbay Hill in the centre of the island. The cycle route is a pleasant flat route, ideal for a family cycle ride. There is an option of a 3.5 mile extension to the top of Barbay Hill. If you are travelling to the island you arrive via the ferry which crosses from the western Scottish town of Largs, which is situated about 15 miles North West of Kilmarnock.
Starting from the ferry terminal on the island, turn right along the B896 which takes you north towards Tormont End. After about a quarter of a mile from the ferry you reach Tormont End at the northern tip of the island. Continue to cycle around the headland, keeping to the B896 which takes you down along the western side of the island. As you cycle the two and a half miles along the flat west coast you pass Millport Golf Club on your left – at this point there are plenty of suitable places to stop for a rest or picnic and enjoy the views out to sea. At the half way point along the road at Fintry Bay you will find a small tea room. If you’re lucky you might get to see some seals along the way.
After about two and a half miles the road bends round to the left on the southern coast of the island at a point called West Bay Road which takes you around the coast for about half a mile before arriving the island’s main town of Millport. As you cycle through Millport stop to visit The Cathedral of the Isles, built in 1851. Formal gardens and woodland surround the cathedral, which is the highest building on Great Cumbrae and one of the smallest cathedrals in Europe. In Millport you will also find a variety of small shops including three cycle shops, all of which offer cycle hire. From Millport there is an optional route extension - a loop ride that takes you to the top of Barbay Hill and an excellent viewpoint with panoramic views of the island and the North Ayrshire coast.
Travelling eastwards through Millport the road changes its name to Glasgow Street. After about 500 yards along Glasgow Street bear right onto Kames Bay (B896) and after about 100 yards the road runs onto Marine Parade. Follow the road around the southern end of the island past the University Marine Biological Station where you can visit the Robertson Marine Science Museum and Aquarium (open week days only). After a short distance the B896 follows the coast round to the left and takes you back up the east coast of the island for about two and a half miles to the ferry terminal the start/finish of your cycle ride.
Natural attractions:
- Millport Bay
- Barbay Hill
Visitor attractions:
- Millport Museum
- Robertson Museum and Aquarium (University Marine Biological Station)
- Millport Cathedral
- Great Cumbrae Water sports Centre
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Visit www.sustrans.org.uk/map
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Route submitted by: Sustrans. Photo from Undiscovered Scotland
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Key route details
- Region/Area:
Central Scotland
- Time needed:
1-2 hours
- Classification:
Easy
- Traffic:
On road
- Surface:
Tarmac
- Start:
Cumbrae Ferry Terminal
- Finish:
Cumbrae Ferry Terminal
- Cycle hire:
Various cycle hire shops in Millport. Cycle hire is also available in Largs.
- Access:
Train stations at Largs and Fairlie.
Great Cumbrae Island ferry leaves from Largs.
- Maps and guides
-
OS Landranger 63 - Firth of Clyde £6.99
OS Explorer 341 - Greenock, Largs and Millport £6.99
- Guides & publications:
- Click here for free Great Cumbrae Island map leaflet
- Weather:
-
Fri
max: 10°C min: 5°C
-
Sat
max: 12°C min: 7°C
-
Sun
max: 10°C min: 7°C
-
Mon
max: 11°C min: 5°C
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