Around Great Cumbrae

 'Miami Vice' - Nardini's Ice Cream Parlour in Largs.

What a wonderful little island Great Cumbrae is! And it's perfect, thanks to its cycle-friendly roads and lack of cars, for any cyclist no matter their age or expertise. It's surprisingly easy to get to from Glasgow with the train from Glasgow Central to Largs taking about an hour, and the ferry (every 30 mins. from Largs) taking 10-15 minutes. The variety of transport too: train, ferry, bicycle, foot, is also something that imparts a certains sense of accomplishment within one's bones. The route around is simple as there really are only two roads in Great Cumbrae: the ring road around the island and the interior road up to its highest point, The Glaid Stone, and back down. Its main town, Millport, is a quiet marvel of Victorian villa architetcure, and simplicity. Its promenade, harbour and beach, inevitably incline one to want to live here, if only for a few weeks. It has that sort of spell. I think it may be something in that invigorating sea air!

There is plenty to see and do with odd geological formations, the wonderful flora and fauna, the daintiest cathedral in all Europe, and the spectacular views from all around. It's an ideal location for a day-trip from Glasgow...

The quiet road around Great Cumbrae, looking westwards to the lumpy southern half of Bute, and beyond
to the craggy Isle of Arran.

On the beach at Millport.

 From Ninian Brae looking west.