Discover Skelmorlie: Trails, woodland and golf

When choosing a place to stay in Skelmorlie, your interests in coastal trails, woodland, golf or architecture may help you decide. The routes vary in length, classification and course. There is also a botanically diverse woodland, historic buildings and a seasonal visitor attraction. This gives you specific points of reference to match Skelmorlie to your travel plans.

Coastal trails and different routes

Core Path NC10 runs from Largs via Red Road to Skelmorlie and is 5.7 kilometres long. Shorter is Core Path NC121: it runs for 0.9 kilometres from Skelmorlie to Oakfield Bridge and is called the Inverclyde Link. The two descriptions therefore refer to paths with different starting and ending points—useful if you want to compare routes by more than just their length.

The Skelmorlie section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path is designated Core Path NC120, is 3.5 kilometres long and follows a road. The Coastal Path route from Largs to Skelmorlie is described as either 7 or 9.3 miles, with an easy or moderate option. The easier option follows minor roads past Knock Castle and offers far-reaching coastal views.

The Ayrshire Coastal Path routes join on the final section. They pass Skelmorlie Castle and continue to the official endpoint at an information board on the northern edge of the town. For your planning, both the length of each route and its described path type and option are therefore relevant. Check the route and conditions before setting out; path conditions or diversions may change.

Woodland and golf course landscape

Skelmorlie Glen lies about one kilometre southeast of the town of Skelmorlie. The gorge contains a botanically diverse mixed deciduous woodland. It is one of the best examples of semi-natural woodland in North Ayrshire. This puts a specific woodland habitat alongside the open landscapes associated with the golf course—two different focal points when planning your time in the area.

Skelmorlie Golf Club’s course lies above the village of Skelmorlie in North Ayrshire. It is an 18-hole moorland course, founded in 1891. The landscape is described by compass direction: sea and mountains lie to the north and west, and wild moorland lies east of the course. This helps you understand the golf setting not only by its course type, but also by its described landscape.

Architecture and seasonal visits

Skelmorlie Castle is a rectangular, three-storey tower house with an attic, dating from around 1502. Restoration of the castle was completed in 1962.

Another architectural stop is the present-day Skelmorlie & Wemyss Bay Church, designed by Glasgow architect John Honeyman in 1893. At Skelmorlie Parish Church, the lamp stand is considered an outstanding example of Mackintosh’s distinctive modern style. The two buildings offer different points of interest if you are interested in architecture as well as trails and landscapes.

Skelmorlie Secret Bunker is open on weekends from April to September, from 13:00 to 17:00. Admission is free, and advance booking is required. Check the opening hours and booking requirements before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Colmonell, Isle of Arran, Straiton, Kilmarnock, Lagg, Largs, West Kilbride, Patna.

For the regional travel overview: Ayrshire.