Welcome toCumbrae
A little island with a lot packed in: great for cycling, golf, water sports, and photographs with the Crocodile Rock.
More about Cumbrae
Ideal for:
Outdoor adventure
Nature & wildlife
Cycling
Water sports
Ten minutes from the mainland and best explored by bike
Cumbrae is just a short hop from the mainland, and there's plenty to do once you're there. You can hire bikes at Millport, and cycle the ten-mile route round the island - taking in the beaches and coastal views. You'll be quieter on a bike, so you'll see more of the wildlife, which includes owls, polecats, kestrels, and the occasional sea eagle. You can also play a round of golf at Millport's 18 hole golf course while enjoying stunning views of the Firth of Clyde.
Cumbrae is great for kids, too - you can't miss the painted Crocodile Rock in the bay at Millport, and if you wait for low tide you can take them to sit on it, if they dare. There's a water sports centre, and you can also hire kayaks in Millport, if you fancy exploring some of the smaller islands in the bay. Keep an eye out for the island's festivals and events, which range from country and western music to a scooter rally.
For more information on Cumbrae visit the Isle of Cumbrae's website.
How to get here
Take the ferry to Cumbrae from Largs. The journey takes 10 minutes. You can purchase single or return tickets in advance of travel, online, via telephone or at either port or, where possible, on the vessel. 10-journey tickets are also available on this route.
Largs - Cumbrae is a Turn up and Go route - when you pre-purchase tickets on this route, you'll be purchasing an 'open' ticket for a chosen departure date, valid only for the timetable period for which they were purchased, either winter or summer. Simply turn up at the port of departure and go on the next available sailing.
No car or bike? Check our journey planner for bus times from Cumbrae's ferry slip to Millport.
Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Our Public Transport Journey Planner can help you plot your journey from anywhere in the UK, using a wide range of public transport options e.g. ferry, train and bus.
We have also listed some travel information below that you may find useful:
Getting to Largs
From Glasgow
By car
Largs is about 32 miles from Glasgow, and it takes just under 50 minutes to drive. If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, two charging points are available on the island of Cumbrae outside the Royal George Hotel. Charging points are also available in Largs at the Largs Yacht Haven and the Vikingar Museum.
By train
The train from Glasgow to Largs takes 56 minutes. It's a short walk from the train station to the ferry terminal.
From Ayr
By car
Largs Port is 33 miles from Ayr, and it takes about 50 minutes to drive.
Postcode for sat nav
Largs Port: KA30 8BG
By train
Get the train to Kilwinning, and change to a train for Largs. The journey takes about 70 minutes. Why not purchase a ticket from Ayr to Cumbrae?
By bus
Please visit Millport Motors for up-to-date bus timetable information.
The connecting bus service is privately operated, by Millport Motors and some services may have restrictions on passenger numbers.
By foot
The Isle of Cumbrae has a circumference of 10.25 miles and has a number of easy walks taking between 2 - 4 hours with rewarding views across the Firth of Clyde and Bute. The walks also take you by Robertson Museum and Aquarium which highlights the indigenous marine life around the island. There is a small coffee shop too for those looking for a short rest and refreshments. For more information on walking, check out Millport on the Visit Scotland website.
By bike
Often referred to as Bicycle Island due to the amount of bikes available for hire. The Isle of Cumbrae is bikers dream location with its flat and easy to navigate routes around the island. The town of Millport has several cafes which are the ideal refreshment stop. For information on the most comprehensive cycle hire on the island check out Visit Scotland.
Note: If you're bringing your bike, please add your bike(s) to your booking, - this means that you have more certainty about space. This ticket will remain free of charge.
Plan your cycle journey at CycleStreets.
Public Transport
When you arrive on Cumbrae you may be looking to use the local bus service to get about the island. For information on timetables visit www.bustimes.org.
Useful Information
Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland's #RespectProtectEnjoy guidance and check the arrangements individual islands and locations have for managing the safety of their visitors and communities. For Argyll and Bute, please read through the area's 'Be a great Visitor' guidance.
Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs. Check out these RNLI Safety Tips #RespectTheWater