Starting Point for the Walk:
The walk starts from the Ardrossan South Beach Car Park, Montgomerie Crescent, Ardrossan KA22 8EA – [OS Reference NS 238 419.
Getting there: 40 miles / 52 minutes
Take your favourite route to the M77 [Kilmarnock] and then continue on M77/A77 [Kilmarnock]. At the Bellfield Interchange turn right onto A71 [Irvine]. At the Warrix Interchange turn right onto A78 [Kilwinning/Ardrossan]. At the Sharphill Roundabout turn left onto B714 [Saltcoats]. At the roundabout near Sainsburys take the B780 [Ardrossan Road which later becomes South Crescent Road]. At the roundabout at the junction of South Crescent Road and Burn Road / Montgomerie Crescent turn left and immediately right into the car park. Toilets are available at Asda near Ardrossan Harbour (see map below).
The Walk: Ardrossan to Portencross – 8 miles (12 km)
There are no toilets in Portencross, however, it may be possible to use the facilities at The Waterside Hotel & Spa.
Starting from the car park turn left and walk along South Crescent Road onto Princess Street (heading towards Ardrossan Marina) and then along the cycle path to the North Beach. The route follows the Ayrshire Coastal Path. On a good day there should be views of the Holy Isle and Arran from the route along the beach towards Seamill. There are several small streams along the beach that may require a small detour onto the beach path. There is a picnic spot with a number of benches just before The Waterside Hotel & Spa.
Continuing along the beach, enter Seamill, and cross a footbridge across the Kilbride Burn which offers views towards the original 18th century Sea Mill from which the village takes its name. Continue along the beach beneath the Seamill Hydro. Those wishing a shorter walk can exit here through a small car park to Hyndman Road and then onto Kinnin Brae and take the 585 bus back to Ardrossan.
Continue walking along the beach and then onto a path (beside the golf course at Ardneil Bay) until reaching Farland Head and the hamlet of Portencross. If there is sufficient time, and the castle is open, it may be possible for a short visit to this historic site. From Portencross take the B7048 towards West Kilbride. At the crossroads with Snowdown Terrace (A78) turn right and continue until the bus stop [Seamill, Overton Drive]. Take the 585 bus back to the car park, alighting at the Ardrossan, South Beach Road stop. The journey time is approximately 20 minutes. The Stagecoach 585 bus runs ½ hourly (14:49, 15:19, 15:49 etc. [at July 2026]).