Largs & Cumbrae Cycle (North Ayrshire)
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Join us for a leisurely cycle to the coast and a circuit of the Great Cumbrae Island.
Our route will take us along the Sustrans route 7 path along the course of the former Lochwinnoch Loop railway line to Dalry before we cross Fairlie Moor to reach the coast (approx. 25 miles). After a lunch stop in Largs (either at the renowned Nardinis cafe or on the sea front if the weather is fine) there is the option to take a short ferry hop across to cycle around the Great Cumbrae Island (approx. 10 miles). After the return ferry trip we can either cycle back over the Hailie Brae or catch a train back home from Largs.
The route is mostly on well surfaced cycle paths or quiet roads and is generally suitable for road bikes, hybrids or mountain bikes.
What to bring
Extra food and dry clothing
Make sure you bring plenty of snack foods. We will try to stop where possible for food though. With the unpredictable Scottish weather, it is recommended you bring a jacket to keep you dry.
Apart from your bike, food and drink, remember the following:
Spare inner tube and tyre levers
Also any special tools that your bike needs.
Eye protection
Impact from a bee, grit or even a fly at speed is extremely unpleasant, sunglasses may do if not made of glass and not too shaded.
Clothing
Choose suitable clothes and footwear for the weather forecast and time of year. You will be exercising so lightweight layered clothing is best. Shorts are best even in rain, as they allow free movement of your legs. Jeans are useless if it rains but tracksuit bottoms need to be not too baggy or they may snag in the chain and cause an accident. You'll need trainers or similar with grippy soles for standard pedals.
Cyclist's helmet
Outdoorlads policy asks you to wear a helmet on events.
Cycling water bottle
If you don't have one, you will only be able to drink when we stop and may get dehydrated.
Food & drink
We plan to have a lunch stop in Largs, where there are shops or cafes to buy food, but it would be a good idea to carry some spare food and water to avoid dehydration (particularly if the weather is warm).