Great Cumbrae Circular Walk

The Isle of Cumbrae is a beautiful little Island off the coast of Ayrshire.

To get there, you need to catch the Calmac Ferry from Largs. Fortunately there is a large car park next to the ferry landing.

Once you arrive on the Island, turn right as you will be walking anti-clockwise around the Island. You will see Largs across the Holm and Lady's Bay.

The road bends left, and passes the HMS Shearwater Memorial. The sandstone obelisk bares the inscription:

In Memory of Mr Charles D Cayley aged 17 years and Mr William N Jewell aged 19 years Midshipman of H.M.S. Shearwater two promising young officers drowned by the upsetting of their boat near this place 17th May 1844

This monument is erected in token of their worth by Captain Robinson and officers of the above vessel.

As you continue along the road, the views of the Isle of Bute and the Arrochar Alps are stunning.

You will pass White Bay, Wine Bay and Stinking Bay. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables if you wish to take a rest and take in the views.

As the road once again turns left, you are now walking down the west side of the island. Keep your eyes to the cliffs on left. Someone/something is watching you!!!

The Isle of Arran comes into view with its amazing mountain of Goat Fell. You will pass Skate, Little Skate and Bell Bay, before reaching the larger Fintray Bay with a restaurant and facilities.

As you get closer to Millport, you will pass the Memorial for the missing. This memorial is inscribed:

"This memorial is dedicated to the men and women of the British Allied Forces who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and HAVE NO KNOWN GRAVE

FOR YOUR TOMORROW WE GAVE OUR TODAY"

After passing a caravan site, you will bend left and reach Millport. It has a pretty little harbour.

There are a couple of small islands in Millport Bay and Farland Point beyond.

Millport War Memorial sits in front of Millport Bay, giving it a beautiful backdrop for time to reflect.

You will not be able to miss Garrison House. It was built in 1745 to accommodate the crew of the revenue ship Royal George, whose job it was to intercept smugglers entering the Clyde.

It has the most beautiful gardens and well worth timeout for an ice cream.

When you are ready to move on, take College Street, headed north. On the right is The Cathedral of the Isles. The building was designed by William Butterfield, a renowned gothic revival designer, who completed it in 1849, and was opened in 1851 as a Collegiate Church.

It is also well worth spending some time wandering around the churchyard. The tombstones and stonework are very impressive.

Once you have finished looking around, continue up the road. To the west are views of Arran and Goat Fell.

Also to the north, you can see the Isle of Bute and the Arrochar Alps.

After about 1.5km, you will come across a short path on the left that takes you to the highest point on the Island. It is an impressive viewpoint that also allows you to bag Barbay Hill Trig Point.

After taking in the views, return to the road and continue north. You will soon spot The Millport Mineral Well on the right. The impressive well was opened by the wife of the Lord of Inverclyde on 14th May 1929, although I thought it looked much older.

From here, continue on the road as it bends right. When it comes to the main road, turn left and make your way back to the ferry landing.

Head back over to Largs. The day we went it was buzzing as there was a town fair. Fantastic!

After what has been yet another wonderful wedding anniversary, we head back to the caravan, to enjoy a barbequed steak and a cheeky glass of red to a stunning sunset.