Southern Shiel Sweep
Cycling
This substantial 39km route takes in the ‘Three Towns’ of Saltcoats, Stevenston and Ardrossan
This tour is 25 miles long, please allow at least 3 hours to complete it, excluding the time taken to enjoy the destinations along the way.
Begin in the town of Kilwinning where you can explore the ruins of the Abbey with its illustrious history of plundering and buried treasure, before following the route north via the Three Towns of Stevenston, Saltcoats and Ardrossan. This cycleway steers a leisurely course across fields lying just north of Portencross, before travelling southwards via coastal roads with beautiful views across to Arran. Look out for local wildlife in Ardeer Quarry Local Nature Reserve on the return loop to Kilwinning.
What you'll see
Kilwinning - Ayrshire
Towns & Villages
Kilwinning is a large town in North Ayrshire, situated on the banks of the River Garnock
04 The Bute
Kilwinning Abbey - North Ayrshire
History & Heritage
The Abbey was founded sometime between 1162 and 1188 with monks coming from Kelso in the Scottish Borders. Its ruins sit in the centre of the town.
04 The Bute
Stevenston - Ayrshire
Towns & Villages
Stevenston is an inland town in North Ayrshire. It is one of the 'Three Towns' along with Ardrossan and Saltcoats, on the east coast of the Firth of Clyde.
04 The Bute
Bobby Lennox Statue - Saltcoats
History & Heritage
This statue was put inplace to honour the Celtic legend Bobby Lennox.
04 The Bute
Saltcoats - North Ayrshire
Towns & Villages
The small town of Saltcoats lies in North Ayrshire, on the west coast of Scotland
04 The Bute
Ardrossan - North Ayrshire
Towns & Villages
The town of Ardrossan sits on the North Ayrshire coast on the east shore of the Firth of Clyde.
04 The Bute
Seamill - West Kilbride
Towns & Villages
Seamill is a village on the west coast of Scotland, about 5 miles north of Ardrossan and 8 miles south of Largs, on the east coast of the Firth of Clyde.
04 The Bute
West Kilbride - Ayrshire
Towns & Villages
West Kilbride is scenic village in North Ayrshire on the west coast of the Firth of Clyde providing great views over to Arran.
