By Jonathan Blackburn
Glaswegians flock to Millport in their droves every summer, taking the short ferry trip from Largs and rattling around on the bus that hurtles along the coast road as the drivers rush to make the next ferry connection.
It’s a short journey that makes visitors feel a thousand miles from the city, though they’re still in the Firth of Clyde. After soaking up the sun on the ferry‘s top deck and stepping off the bus at the harbour, a day of fun awaits.
All along the front at Millport, families enjoy ice creams and views of Little Cumbrae across the bay, but many will head straight for the cycle hire shops to head around the island. So many Glaswegians hold fond memories of cycling around Great Cumbrae, but there is perhaps even more family fun in taking a quadricycle around the island.
These bikes are designed for a family of between four and six to take a tour around the island, with between two and four people pedalling and space for two weans at the front.
It can be tough going on the legs, especially while climbing the hill on the east side of the island (if heading anti-clockwise, which we all know is the correct way around Millport).
A Surrey bike from On Your Bike in Millport for two adults and two children costs £18 per hour. From Mapes of Millport, a mini quadricycle taking up to three adults and two children starts at £19 for one hour.
From Mapes or On Your Bike, head east along the front to Newton Beach and look out for Crocodile Rock on the right (and head here after your ride to walk off your celebratory ice cream). Follow the sweeping road around Kames Bay and stop on the grass near the paddling pool on Marine Parade for a family photo with Millport in the background.
Then get ready to put in some hard yards. With views across the Firth to north Ayrshire seaside towns of Fairlie and Largs, continue to the ferry dock and stop only to use the public toilets if needed, then continue without stopping to White Bay on the northern tip of the island.
At White Bay, pause to enjoy the views north over the Firth of Clyde, spot the lighthouse at Toward and see the ferries pass each other on their way to and from Rothesay, then reward yourselves with sandwiches at the picnic benches just above the beach.
With its rocky coast, the fabulously named Stinking Bay offers more stunning views of Bute. It is also a great spot for birdwatching or an alternative place to eat lunch at the picnic bench, should the benches at White Bay be taken.
From Stinking Bay, get back on the road and look out for the huge face on the cliffs. Stop here and enjoy Bell Bay, a real jewel of the island.
The sheltered beach at Bell Bay is a great place to sunbathe on a sunny day. Head down to the water’s edge to cool off, and marvel at how clear the gently lapping waters are.
Back on the road, and the road straightens out. There are some tough hills here that tend to be a struggle on the quadricycle, so reward yourself with a coffee and a cake at the café at Fintry Bay.
You should be ready to get back to Millport by now. There are a few hills, so hug the coast and turn right onto Millburn Street when the gradient starts to steepen. Take the back routes down Miller Street and Clyde Street before coming out at the Quayhead.
Once you’ve dropped the bike off, it’s time for ice cream from The Sweet Shop next to Mapes or The Ritz Café next door to On Your Bike.
Then a treat for the adults. Head to the Royal George Hotel, walk around the side, and find the hidden beer garden.
This wee sun trap has stunning views over the water. On the terrace with the right drink in hand, looking out over the crystal blue waters, and you could be sitting looking out over the Med.
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