skelmorliea guide to local paths and the outdoors

www.ayrshirepaths.org

welcome to skelmorlieEnjoy Skelmorlie’soutdoors responsibly

This booklet provides a guide to local path networks and a flavour of the places you can explore around add town name here.

There are lots of things to see and do in and around Skelmorlie from a walk through the historic town, to a leisurely stroll along the Ayrshire Coastal Path or wildlife watching along the shoreline while enjoying the spectacular views.

More information on pathlengths, surfaces and distances is available on the Ayrshire Paths website alongside information on responsible access and other useful information for your visit.

So why not get out there and explore and enjoy being active along the way?

health benefits

Did you know that while you are enjoying the outdoors your body is enjoying it too?

Being active is good for your health. It has been shown to reduce people’s risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. It can help improve low mood and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. Keeping active can also improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The current recommendation for physical activity is 30 minutes of moderate activity on at least five days of the week.

Walking and cycling are a great ways to do this!

• Makes you feel good• Gives you more energy• Reduces stress and helps you sleep better• Keeps your heart healthy and reduces blood pressure• Helps to manage your weight

Why are they great activities for staying healthy?

• Almost everyone can do them• You can do them anywhere and at any time• They’re free and you don’t need special equipment• You can start slowly and build up gently• You can meet new people

things to see and do

Ayrshire Coastal PathThe Ayrshire Coastal Path runs 147km from Glenapp in the south to Skelmorlie at the north end. There are two options available for the final section of the path between Largs and Skelmorlie, the High Road and the Low Road. The path offers views to Cumbrae, Bute, Cowal and distant hills, with lots of birds, rocks, wavesand weather along the way. A helpful guidebook is available and is recommended for use along the route.www.ayrshirecoastalpath.org

The surrounding hills and farmland form part of Clyde Muirshiel Re-gional Park, Scotland’s largest Regional Park. Formally designated in 1990, roughly half of the Park’s land area is within North Ayrshire. The Renfrewshire Heights Special Protected Area (SPA) forms part of the Park and is a breeding ground for hen harriers.

The Park offers a range of opportunities for walking, cycling, volunteering and outdoor activities across the area.

The Park’s Ranger Service organises

www.clydemuirshielregionalpark.co.uk

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

events and volunteer activities, records wildlife and delivers environmental education across the area.

things to see and do

Skelmorlie Castle Located to the south of the village, the ancestral home of the Montgomerie Clan, Skelmorlie Castle was built around 1502. Like so many other tower houses, it was altered and extended numerous times. The castle has recently been restored and is now a private residential house. Views of the castle are enjoyed from the Ayrshire Coastal Path and a number of vantage points.

Skelmorlie GlenSkelmorlie Glen lies approximately 1km south east of the town and is recognised as one of the best examples of semi-natural woodland in North Ayrshire. The deciduous woodland gorge is botanically rich, with alder dominating the stream sides and lower slopes, ash and elm in higher areas and oak and birch at its highest reaches. The woodland floor is covered in a range of plants such as woodruff, sanicle, dog’s mercury and wood melick. The best time to visit is spring or early summer when the ground is carpeted with woodland flowers.

Skelmorlie Golf ClubSkelmorlie Golf Club is a long established private golf course situated on the gentle slopes overlooking Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay. The short but challenging

18 hole course offers stunning views of the Firth of Clyde. Visitors and visiting parties are made welcome at the Club.

www.skelmorliegolf.co.uk

Information on rail and bus travel is available from Traveline Scotland by downloading the app, visiting the website www.travelinescotland.com or by calling 0871 200 2233

Information on the core paths network is available fromaccessofficer@north-ayrshire.gov.uk /corepathsplan

Information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is available from www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

Information on local path networks is available from www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk

Information on health and wellbeing in Ayrshire is available from www.healthinfoshop.scot.nhs.uk

Information on outdoor access is available fromwww.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess

useful information

Copies of this booklet and others in this series are available to download from our website.These booklets can also be made available in other formats and community languages.

This project was funded by:

www.ayrshirepaths.org