The Coig
Uncover five great adventures around the Clyde Coast and Islands. Each one will be a memorable day trip, or when added together have the makings of a perfect break. Gaelic for 'five' - the Coig is a series of five touring routes around Ayrshire, the Clyde Coast, and the Clyde Islands of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae, each designed to showcase the area's natural beauty, outdoor adventure, history, heritage and nature.
The Coig's official ambassador - Formula One presenter, Lee McKenzie, who grew up in Alloway near Ayr, said: "This area holds so many happy memories for me,so I'm really proud to help people get out and active across the region.
"One of my favourite walks is across the Brig o' Doon. The banks of the river are so beautiful whatever the season. In the summer the colour of the flowers is so vibrant and, in the winter,, on a frosty winter's day, it really is gorgeous. My go-to when it comes to relaxation and unwinding after getting off a plane or live TV is the beach. It's nature at its best and no matter where I've been in the world, it always feels great to be home". What better way to explore all this area has to offer than with one of, or indeed all of The Coig's touring routes.
1 - The Shire
Location: Ayrshire, south west Scotland
Length: 138 miles long
Highlights: Trace the many geographical connections to William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, or walk in the footsteps of Scotland's bard, Robert Burns who was born, lived and worked in the area - and whose poetry was inspired by the area's people and places. Enjoy The Shire's world famous golf courses at Troon and Turnberry, and explore its glorious glens, rolling hills, and coastal clifftops.
2 - The Shiel
Location: West coast seaside towns and Clyde Muirshiel
Length: 55 miles long.
Highlights: Explore seaside towns, secret bunkers, and quirky country castles - the area's packed with heritage trails, wild dunes and rock pools. Uncover Viking connections and stories of ferocious battles, before relaxing off-road among The Shiel's breath-taking scenery around the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.
3 - The Arran
Location: The Isle of Arran
Length: This tour is 70 miles long.
Highlights: Scotland in miniature - Arran is rich in everything Scotland has to offer. Striking and varied scenery, and a rich haven for wildlife. Pack your walking boots or bring the bike to experience one of the island's many physical challenges - from bike track to mountain path,before enjoying its incredible food, drink and culture.
4 - The Bute
Location: The Isle of Bute
Length: This tour is 22 miles long.
Highlights: Explore the island's world class architecture - from the glorious Mount Stuart House and Gardens,
to the newly refurbished Rothesay Pavilion, and the nearby Victorian promenade before taking in the island's many hillside footpaths, breath-taking bays and beaches, with their stunning vistas out across the Firth of Clyde.
5 - The Cumbrae
Location: Great Cumbrae
Length: This tour is 10 miles long.
Highlights: Find the rocks that looks like a croc, a butter lump and a lion. Pedal your way around to idyllic Farland Point and Fintry Bay and enjoy spotting any of the islands 125 species of birds, or their seal, porpoise and basking shark neighbours.
Operations Director for The Coig, Daniel Steel, said: "Having lived and worked in this area for almost 15 years, I could not be prouder to be part of showcasing this area with the launch of five unique routes across Ayrshire, the Firth of Clyde and the Clyde Islands. The routes are all steeped in history and offer yearround opportunities for visitors. From mountains and beaches, to heritage and family attractions, world class golf courses, and outstanding local food and drink...The Coig should be on everyone's travel bucket list...at least five times."
Join the adventure. #TheCoig
Check out all of our Destinations and Island Hopping adventures to see what float's your boat or go ahead book your full-filled trip.