Discover West Kilbride

West Kilbride is Scotland’s first accredited Craft Town and lies on the Firth of Clyde. From here, views extend to the surrounding islands, the distant mainland of the Mull of Kintyre, the Arrochar Alps and the Paps on the Isle of Jura. Craft, local history and trails offer different ways to spend your stay.

Craft and architecture

The Craft Town Scotland Studios are spread across Main Street and Ritchie Street. Each studio is home to a different craftsperson who makes their own unique products. The studios are open Thursday to Saturday, from 11 am to 4 pm; visits outside these hours are possible by appointment. Hope Jacare’s new Studio 117 is intended to offer small textile classes and educational activities.

The Barony Centre is housed in a redesigned 19th-century church, listed as a Category C building in Scotland. At the Gallery Shop, you can see examples of craftspeople’s work. Another architectural stop is West Kilbride Barony Parish Church: it was rebuilt in 1873 and features Early English style elements. Its churchyard contains gravestones from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Kirktonhall has a crenellated parapet bearing the date 1807. Professor Robert Simpson was born at Kirktonhall in 1687. The cemetery at West Kilbride also contains a monument to Dr Robert Simpson, erected by John Fullerton of Overton in 1877. A group of cottages is a few minutes’ walk from West Kilbride railway station. Restored according to National Trust for Scotland guidelines, they are an example of Scottish vernacular architecture.

Kirktonhall Glen and the trails

Kirktonhall Glen stretches for about 1.5 kilometres. It features carved wooden animal sculptures, including a giant dragon by artist Sandy Campbell. In the glen, the Hunterston Brooch Garden commemorates the local discovery of a 1,200-year-old Celtic brooch.

NC39 is the West Kilbride Loop: it includes Kirktonhall Glen, measures 3.8 kilometres and has gravel and road sections. The glen itself is therefore shorter than the loop that includes it. NC60 runs from West Kilbride to Portencross Pier; its 6.0 kilometres include gravel and beach sections. TT10, the West Kilbride Cycle Route, is also 6.0 kilometres long and has paved and road sections. The details on length and surface help distinguish the three routes by their specific features.

More to see and how to get there

West Kilbride Museum is on the first floor of the Village Hall and hosts art and history exhibitions. West Kilbride Golf Course, a links golf course more than 120 years old, is also part of the town’s character.

West Kilbride is accessible by regular local bus and train services from Glasgow, Largs and Ayr. If you plan to use a particular service, check the current timetable before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Irvine, Prestwick, Stevenston, Brodick, Kilmarnock, Millport, Darvel, Kildonan.

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