Tour of the Clyde Coast



This tour follows the east coast of the Firth of Clyde, which is a estuary or bay where the River Clyde flows west into the ocean.

This route is suited to persons who wish to use Glasgow as a start point, drive west and connect with the coastal route and travel back to Glasgow via a diagonal cross-country route. The round trip will cover about 150 miles and take about 4 hours of driving time, excluding stops. Alternatively, the route could be used as a template for a two-three day tour for persons wishing to spend time at the various sites.which include islands, castles, marinas, raised beaches, rural landscapes, harbours and golf courses .

Here is a listing of the key sites:

Port Glasgow: Long associated with shipbuilding. Home to the medieval Newark Castle.At low tide can be seen lines of wooden stakes in the water close to the shore. These are the remains of 18th century timber ponds used to store imported wood prior to use in construction of ships.

Greenock: Former shipbuilding site with impressive civic buildings. Large cruise ships now call here during the summer period.There is a Roman fortlet high on the hill overlooking Greenock. Superb views from vantage point on Lyle Hill.

Gourock: Resort and residential town on coast with ferry services to Dunoon across the River  Clyde.Excellent views from Tower Hill.

Inverkip: A coastal village famous for its large boating marina. 


Wemyss Bay: Pleasant town on coast with railway and ferries to Isle of Bute.

Largs: Popular holiday location with Viking connections and marina.Tip: Parking very challenging in the peak summer months.

View of Largs from marina with Pencil Monument which commemorates the Battle of Largs in 1263.




Portencross Castle: Restored, small medieval castle on edge of coast dating from 14th century.


Ardrossan: Historic port town and ferry terminal with sandy beach.


 Dundonald Castle: Ruined 14th century fortress overlooking coast.

Troon: Sandy beaches and famous Royal Troon Golf Club.



Prestwick: A coastal town with airport, sandy beaches and historic golf course.  

Ayr: Administrative town on coast with long, sandy beaches and racecourse. Named after River Ayr which runs through the town.


Alloway: A village a few miles inland where can be found the birthplace of Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns.

Garden at Burns Cottage.


 Dunure Castle: A ruin with history dating from 13th century. Excellent views of the coast.

Culzean Castle: 18th century mansion with extensive grounds, gardens and views across to
Isle of Arran.


Turnberry: A small coastal village famous for the Trump Turnberry golfing resort.

Ailsa Craig: A small island of volcanic origin 10 miles offshore. A source of granite for manufacture of curling stones.


 Girvan: A small town with harbour, beaches and cliffs.

.© Nigel P Cole/Catswhiskerstours Limited

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