West coast & Cumbrae Island cycle
5 people attending
5 places left
Please note ferry crossing cost is not included in the event cost and attendees will need to pay this at the port (£3.60 return)
This 43-mile ride including 400m of ascent is being jointly led by Drew and James. It is suitable for intermediate and advanced cyclists. If you have recently completed a 30-mile cycle ride you should be well suited to complete this ride.
The event will mostly take place mostly on quiet roads, cycle paths or shared use pavements alongside busier roads.
Starting from Ardrossan South Beach Station at 1030am (the 0948 train from Glasgow Central will get you there on time), we head up the B780 towards Dalry past the windmills and reservoirs then turn left onto the B781 down towards West Kilbride. We’ll take a right before West Kilbride down towards Fairlie and onto a cycle path. We follow the path along the seafront until we get to Largs Marina and past the Largs Pencil Monument where we head to the Ferry Terminal and catch the ferry over to the Isle of Cumbrae.
An easy 10 miles round the island, perhaps stopping for lunch on the other side of the island at the fantastic Fintry Bay Cafe then at the Crocodile Rock for a photo or two.
We catch the ferry back over to Largs and then back along the Cycle path. This time we head through Hunterston Estate, past Hunterston Castle and down to Portencross for spectacular views over to the Island of Arran and of Portencross Castle. Finally heading back to Ardrossan to finish. Those who don't feel up to the whole trip can leave us at Largs (after 26 miles) where there are hourly trains back to Ardrossan and Glasgow.
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IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete the Cycling Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending a cycling event.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
all photos taken by James Williamson (ayrshiredude)
What to bring
Bike: A road bike, Hybrid, pretty much any bike you like. The route is tarmac.
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one
Clothing: lightweight and layered, colourful and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users
Footwear: suitable for your bike and pedals
Gloves: cycle gloves help avoid blisters, and are good in the cold
Punctures: spare inner tube, bike tyre pump and tyre levers
Tools: any special tools that your bike needs
Small snacks: such as chocolate or energy bars
Plenty of water: in bottle/s on your bike or in a daysack/bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Eye protection: avoid getting grit or insects in your eyes, sunglasses are OK if they are not made of glass and not too shaded
Sun cream: take care, even on overcast days
Bike lights: be seen and safe
Storage: small day-sack or a bag on your bike
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies
Food & drink
snacks and lots of water.
likely cafe lunch stop on Cumbrae