Walking on Gailes Beach in Irvine

Gailes Beach in Irvine is a place we regularly go for a walk or just to chill out. It's only 30 minutes drive away from Neilston so is much closer than Fuerteventura or Crete. Okay, those may have much nicer beaches and are generally warmer than Irvine but they're not just down the road.

Gailes Beach

Gailes Beach is roughly five miles long and runs from Irvine to Barassie. It's very flat and sandy, backed by a long series of sand dunes, and is kept pretty clean and tidy. It's easily reachable by car and there are regular bus and train services from Glasgow so it can get quite busy in the Summer. That said, walk a few miles along the beach and it's much quieter, with only the odd stalwart dog walkers and horsey types. We tend to do just that as there are some well-sized blocks you can sit on about half-way along, ideal to take a break at and enjoy the scenery.

A Snow-covered Isle of Arran

There are some splendid views to had from the beach. You can see Barassie and Troon to the South, Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran lie just offhsore. You can also watch the small fishing boats and larger ferries that ply the Firth of Clyde as well as a fair range of birds that use the beach and sea as a source of food. If you stay long enough, then there are some stunning sunsets to be seen as well.

Ailsa Craig at Sundown

There's often an ice-cream van near the coast guard-come public toilet building, some very nice coffee shops and cafés on the edge of the harbour if you need some refreshments and, if you're looking for a meal or a drink, then there's The Ship, which does some very decent bar meals.

There are more photos taken on Gailes Beach and Irvine Harbour here: