By combining the High and Low route options of the Ayrshire Coastal Path at Largs, you can create this circular route to the top of Knock Hill (268m / 879 ft) and back again. Enjoy panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde to the Cowal Peninsula, southern Highlands, Isle of Cumbrae and Arran, as well as down into the town of Largs itself.
Calculated time: 4h25[?] 
Distance : 8.05mi
Vertical gain : 801ft
Vertical drop : 787ft
Highest point : 646ft
Lowest point : 0ft 
Difficulty : Moderate
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Location : North Ayshire
Starting point : N 55.796941° / W 4.869667° 
(D/A) From the Viking statue near the ferry terminal on Largs shorefront, head North for approx 1km to reach Aubery Park and it's pond.
(1) Cut across Aubery park and turn right (North East) to follow the Noddsdale Water onto the A78.
Turn right (South) onto the A78 then first left (East) onto Barr Crescent.
(2) This residential street becomes Noddleburn Road. Where it starts to bend away from the burn look out for a footpath to the left (North) and follow it along the edge of the burn for 800m.
The footpath leads onto Glen Avenue. Turn left (North East) and follow Glen Avenue to emerge onto Brisbane Glen Road.
(3) Turn left (North) and walk along Brisbane Glen Road for 640m to a fork.
(4) Turn left (North) to follow the way-marked track to Brisbane Mains Farm. The route passes through the farmyard and through a gate.
(5) Head North from the farmyard. After 1km the rough path bends to the left (North West). 300m further along look out for an Ayrshire Coastal Path marker post - turn left (North West) for the Knock Hill path.
(6) The path heads South and circles around Knock Hill up to the summit trig point.
(7) From the summit descend via the same route. Instead of returning to the marker post (5), look out for a minor path on your left-hand side approx 400m along the path from the base of the hill. Turn onto the path (North West) to head down towards a wall.
(8) When you meet up with the wall, turn right (North) to follow it along to a gate.
Go through the gate and follow the field boundary fence downhill - fence on your right-hand side.
(9) You will pass through a small woodland area with some steep, tricky uneven ground, to emerge onto Routenburn Road.
(10) Turn left (South) as indicated by the Ayrshire Coastal Path signage “Low Road/ Red Road to Largs”.
(11) Stay on this minor road for approx 3.2km, passing behind Knock Castle, to reach A78/Greenock Road.
(12) Turn left (South East) then and at the other side of the bridge cross the road and turn right (West) to go back into Aubery Park.
Retrace your steps along Largs esplanade back to the Viking statue (D/A)
Waypoints :
D/A : mi 0 - alt. 10ft - Viking statue, Largs shorefront
1 : mi 0.5 - alt. 3ft - Aubery Park
2 : mi 0.99 - alt. 36ft - Footpath on left
3 : mi 1.98 - alt. 115ft - Fork
4 : mi 2.4 - alt. 177ft - Brisbane Mains Farm
5 : mi 3.19 - alt. 479ft - Left turn for Knock Hill
6 : mi 4 - alt. 643ft - Knock Hill summit
7 : mi 4.56 - alt. 499ft - Minor path on the left
8 : mi 4.72 - alt. 433ft - Gate in wall
9 : mi 5.12 - alt. 230ft - Steep downhill woodland path
10 : mi 5.24 - alt. 131ft - Routenburn Road - ACP marker posts
11 : mi 5.72 - alt. 246ft - View to Knock Castle
12 : mi 7.39 - alt. 20ft - Right turn into Aubery Park
D/A : mi 8.05 - alt. 10ft - Viking statue, Largs shorefront
For more information and a walk review visit Gillian's Walks
Transport
Terrain
An easy first stage along Largs esplanade soon gives way to farm tracks and boggy hillside paths before a gradual ascent to the summit trig point. The descent takes you West across farmland and through pleasant woodland then along a minor road back to the esplanade.
Livestock possible at Brisbane Mains Farm and on the open hillside - please be a responsible dog owner.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
6.97mi
+531ft
-545ft
3h40
Easy
Starting point in North Ayshire Starting at the ferry slip on the Isle of Cumbrae, you will head uphill to the Glaid Stone, the island’s highest point, before descending into Millport. From here you walk back via the quiet Ferry Road. Along the way enjoy the views across to the Isle of Bute, Isle of Arran, Little Cumbrae and the hills of Ayrshire. You will pass several small lochs, a mineral well and the Cathedral of the Isles (Britain’s smallest cathedral). Not forgetting the famous Crocodile Rock!
10.46mi
+991ft
-971ft
5h40
Moderate
Starting point in North Ayshire Beginning at Largs Marina this route takes you the length of the promenade before heading inland and uphill across boggy ground towards Knock Hill. From the trig point on a clear day your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful views across the Clyde towards the isles of Cumbrae, Bute and Arran, as well as the Argyll hills and Cowal Peninsular. Descending towards Skelmorlie Castle and Wemyss Bay, with one very short exception the remainder of the walk is along quiet minor roads and pavements.
4.76mi
+591ft
-600ft
2h40
Moderate
Starting point in North Ayshire On a clear day the views from this route are simply outstanding: the islands of Cumbrae & Arran and the pink sandy beaches at Fairlie and Hunterston. A variety of woodland paths, tracks and grassy hillsides lead you gently uphill past the remains of Fairlie Castle and along the base of Black Hill. The return section follows the Fairlie Moor Road and then the Ayrshire Coastal Path. There is the opportunity to visit some hidden waterfalls along the route.
7.01mi
+69ft
-69ft
3h15
Easy
Starting point in North Ayshire Portencross is arguably one of the best places from which to view the Isle of Arran! The Isle of Cumbrae quickly takes it’s place as you progress towards Largs via the industrial grounds of Hunterston and the pretty town of Fairlie. Much of this walk is along cycle tracks, pavements and minor roads.
3.86mi
+49ft
-49ft
1h50
Easy
Starting point in Argyll and Bute This walk connects the highlights of Toward on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyle and Bute. It includes a coastal walk, ruins, a lighthouse and small quay. The views along the coast are breath-taking.
7.22mi
+308ft
-312ft
3h35
Easy
Starting point in Inverclyde Designated as an Ancient Monument, The Greenock Cut is an aqueduct built in the 1820s to supply water from Loch Thom to Greenock. The 11.5km route is full of interesting features which is probably why it has been rated one of the top 50 walks in Scotland! It is an easy walk along surfaced minor roads, gravel tracks and grassy footpaths. You will be rewarded with fantastic views to Greenock, Gourock, the River Clyde and the southern Scottish mountains.
1.16mi
+108ft
-105ft
0h40
Easy
Starting point in North Ayshire This short circular walk around the Caaf Water is packed with unexpected ‘fairy’ surprises hidden within a tranquil wooded glen. The gorge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the unique and interesting rocks it contains. Perfect for families and for anyone who likes waterfalls!
5.88mi
+430ft
-423ft
3h05
Moderate
Starting point in Inverclyde Good trails take you along to Corlic Hill summit (303 m / 994 ft) on the north-eastern perimeter of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, less than an hour's drive from Glasgow. On a clear day you will enjoy exceptional views down into the Clyde Valley, across to the Cowal Peninsula and over towards the southern Highlands. The return section takes you past the ancient ruins of Burnhead and Glenbrae farmsteads and between the tranquil Gryfe reservoirs.
For more walks, use our search engine.
The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
