The Shire

Explore the towns and villages of The Shire, situated along the south-west coast of Scotland. There is a clear legacy upon these lands of traditional industries such as fishing, mining, and farming, but perhaps unexpectedly The Shire also boasts an explosive, romantic and ancient cultural heritage. View The Shire on the map.

By Road

The Shire is one of the Coig’s mainland destinations. It benefits from easy access from the main road network in Scotland and the north of England – and with the M77 and M74 extensions it is now possible to travel to the heart of the Shire via motorway and A-Roads.

Plan your journey throughout the Shire from the starting point of Irvine. Find out more about driving to Irvine

By Public Transport

The Shire is blessed with excellent public transport links and is easily accessible using train or bus. Find out more about planning your journey to the Shire via public transport

By Rail

Trains run regularly from Glasgow Central Station to Irvine as well as to many of the smaller villages and towns within the Shire. Find out more about planning your journey to the Shire via train

By Bus

Buses run regularly from Buchanan Street Station to Irvine alongside a network of local bus services within Ayrshire. Find out more about planning your journey to the Shire via bus

By Air
Prestwick International Airport

Prestwick International Airport is the closest airport to the Shire and operates a selection of direct daily flights to and from mainland Europe and the Canary Islands. Find out more about public transport connections between Prestwick and the Shire

Driving from Prestwick International Airport

Approximately 15 mins to Irvine, starting point for the Shire. Find driving directions

Glasgow International Airport

Glasgow International Airport is slightly further away from the Shire, but benefits from a greater range of international flight connections including the Americas and the Middle East. There are also numerous flight connections to mainland Europe, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Find out more about public transport connections between Glasgow International Airport and the Shire

Driving from Glasgow International Airport

Approximately 40 mins drive to Irvine, starting point for the Shire.
Find driving directions

Edinburgh International Airport

Although this airport is the furthest away from the Shire, Edinburgh International Airport is also Scotland’s busiest. It operates 188 routes across America, mainland Europe, the Canary Islands, and the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Find out more about public transport connections between Edinburgh International Airport and the Shire

Driving From Edinburgh Airport

Approximately 1hr 20mins drive to Irvine, starting point for the Shire. Find driving directions

By Sea
Larne and Belfast to Cairnryan

The Shire is easily accessible from Northern Ireland by ferry throughout the year, with regular departures from Larne and Belfast to the ferry terminal at Cairnryan on Scotland’s west coast. Find out more about travelling to Cairnryan from Larne and Belfast

Driving from Cairnryan Ferry Terminal

Approximately 1hrs 30mins to Irvine, starting point for the Shire. Find driving directions


The Shiel

The Sheil is where the west coast’s seaside towns and maritime heritage meet the wild and romantic landscape of Clyde Muirsheil. It is also often known as the gateway to the islands of Bute, Arran and Cumbrae. View The Shiel on the map.

By Road

The Shiel is one of the Coig’s mainland destinations. It benefits from easy access from the main road network in Scotland and the north of England – and with the M77 and M74 extensions it is now possible to travel to the heart of the Shiel via motorway and A-Roads.

Plan your journey throughout the Shiel from the starting point of Kilwinning. Find out more about driving to Kilwinning

By Public Transport

The Shiel is blessed with excellent public transport links and is easily accessible using train or bus.  Find out more about planning your journey to the Shire via public transport

By Rail

Trains run regularly from Glasgow Central Station to Kilwinning as well as to many of the smaller villages and towns within the Shiel. Find out more about planning your journey to the Shiel via train

By Bus

Buses run regularly from Buchanan Street Station to Kilwinning alongside a network of local bus services within the Shiel. Find out more about planning your journey to the Shiel via bus

By Air
Prestwick International Airport

Prestwick International Airport is the closest airport to the Shiel and operates a selection of direct daily flights to and from mainland Europe and the Canary Islands. Find out more about public transport connections between Prestwick and the Shiel

Driving from Prestwick International Airport

Approximately 20 mins to Kilwinning, starting point for the Shiel.
Find driving directions

Glasgow International Airport

Glasgow International Airport is slightly further away from the Shiel, but benefits from a greater range of international flight connections including the Americas and the Middle East. There are also numerous flight connections to mainland Europe, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Find out more about public transport connections between Glasgow International Airport and the Shiel

Driving from Glasgow International Airport

Approximately 35 mins drive to Kilwinning, starting point for the Shiel.
Find driving directions

Edinburgh International Airport

Although this airport is the furthest away from the Shiel, Edinburgh International Airport is also Scotland’s busiest. It operates 188 routes across America, mainland Europe, the Canary Islands, and the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Find out more about public transport connections between Edinburgh International Airport and the Shiel

Driving from Edinburgh International Airport

Approximately 1hr 20mins drive to Kilwinning, starting point for the Shiel. Find driving directions

By Sea
Larne and Belfast to Cairnryan

The Shiel is easily accessible from Northern Ireland by ferry throughout the year, with regular departures from Larne and Belfast to the ferry terminal at Cairnryan on Scotland’s west coast. Find out more about travelling to Cairnryan from Larne and Belfast

Driving from Cairnryan Ferry Terminal

Approximately 1hr 30mins to Kilwinning, starting point for the Shiel. Find driving directions


The Arran

Popularly known as Scotland in miniature, Arran is rich in everything that this beautiful country has to offer. Arriving on the island is itself an exciting escape from the mundanity of daily routine, as you leave mainland Ardossan by ferry and disembark on the shores of Brodick Bay. View The Arran on the map.

By Road

The Arran is one of the Coig’s island destinations, and it is well served with regular ferry crossings from the mainland. Find out more about getting to the Arran by ferry

Plan your journey to the Arran from the starting point of Ardrossan Ferry Terminal. Find out more about driving to Ardrossan

Alternatively you can join the Arran route by taking a ferry from Claonaig, Kintyre, in the summer months. Find out more about driving to Claonaig

In winter months you can alternatively join the Arran route by taking a ferry from Tarbert, Kintyre. Find out more about driving to Tarbert

By Public Transport

As an island, visitors to the Arran must board a ferry from Ardrossan. The ferry terminal is easily accessible using train or bus. Find out more about planning your journey to the Arran via public transport

By Rail

Trains run regularly from Glasgow Central Station to Ardrossan.
Find out more about planning your journey to the Arran via train

By Bus

Buses run regularly from Buchanan Street Station to Ardrossan alongside a network of local bus services within the Arran.

Find out more about planning your journey to Arran via bus
Find out more about local bus services within the Arran

By Air
Prestwick International Airport

Prestwick International Airport is the closest airport to the Arran and operates a selection of direct daily flights to and from mainland Europe and the Canary Islands. Find out more about public transport connections between Prestwick and the Arran

Driving from Prestwick International Airport

Approximately 25 mins to Ardrossan, starting point for the Arran.
Find driving directions

Glasgow International Airport

Glasgow International Airport is slightly further away from the Arran, but benefits from a greater range of international flight connections including the Americas and the Middle East. There are also numerous flight connections to mainland Europe, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Find out more about public transport connections between Glasgow International Airport and the Arran

Driving from Glasgow International Airport

Approximately 40 mins drive to Ardrossan, starting point for the Arran.
Find driving directions

Edinburgh International Airport

Although this airport is the furthest away from the Arran, Edinburgh International Airport is also Scotland’s busiest. It operates 188 routes across America, mainland Europe, the Canary Islands, and the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Find out more about public transport connections between Edinburgh International Airport and the Arran

Driving from Edinburgh International Airport

Approximately 1hr 30mins drive to Ardrossan, starting point for the Arran. Find driving directions

By Sea

The Arran is one of The Coig’s island destinations, and it is well served with regular ferry crossings from the mainland. There are two mainland locations – Ardrossan and Kintyre – which operate ferry crossings to the Isle of Arran.


Ardrossan to Arran

Plan your journey to Brodick Bay in Arran from the starting point of Ardrossan Ferry Terminal.
Find out more about getting to the Arran by ferry from Ardrossan
Find out more about driving to Ardrossan

Kintyre to Arran

Alternatively you can join the Arran route by taking a ferry from Claonaig, Kintyre, to Lochranza in the summer months.
Find out more about getting to the Arran by ferry from Claonaig
Find out more about driving to Claonaig

In winter months you can alternatively join the Arran route by taking a ferry from Tarbert, Kintyre.
Find out more about getting to the Arran by ferry from Tarbert Find out more about driving to Tarbert

Larne and Belfast to Cairnryan

Arran (via Ardrossan) is easily accessible from Northern Ireland by ferry throughout the year, with regular departures from Larne and Belfast to the ferry terminal at Cairnryan on Scotland’s west coast. Find out more about travelling to Cairnryan from Larne and Belfast

Driving from Cairnryan Ferry Terminal

Approximately 1hr 40 mins to Ardrossan, starting point for the Arran. Find driving directions


The Bute

Once the beach resort of choice of fashionable mainland Glaswegians, the Isle of Bute remains a popular seaside town, enhanced by the preservation of its authentic Victorian promenade. View The Bute on the map.

By Road

The Bute is one of the Coig’s island destinations, and it is well served with regular ferry crossings from the mainland. Find out more about getting to the Bute by ferry

Plan your journey to the Bute from the starting point of Wemyss Bay Ferry Terminal. Find out more about driving to Wemyss Bay

Alternatively you can join the Bute route by taking a ferry from Colintraive. Find out more about driving to Colintraive

By Public Transport

As an island, visitors to the Bute must board a ferry from Wemyss Bay. The ferry terminal is easily accessible using train or bus. Find out more about planning your journey to the Bute via public transport

By Rail

Trains run regularly from Glasgow Central Station to Wemyss Bay
Find out more about planning your journey to the Bute via train

By Bus

Buses run regularly from Buchanan Street Station to Wemyss Bay alongside a network of local bus services within the Arran.

Find out more about getting to Wemyss Bay Ferry Terminal via bus
Find out more about local bus services within the Bute

By Air
Prestwick International Airport

Prestwick International Airport is the closest airport to the Bute and operates a selection of direct daily flights to and from mainland Europe and the Canary Islands. Find out more about public transport connections between Prestwick and the Bute

Driving from Prestwick International Airport

Approximately 55 mins to Wemyss Bay, starting point for the Bute.
Find driving directions

Glasgow International Airport

Glasgow International Airport is slightly further away from the Bute, but benefits from a greater range of international flight connections including the Americas and the Middle East. There are also numerous flight connections to mainland Europe, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Find out more about public transport connections between Glasgow International Airport and the Bute

Driving from Glasgow International Airport

Approximately 40 mins drive to Wemyss Bay, starting point for the Bute. Find driving directions

Edinburgh International Airport

Although this airport is the furthest away from the Bute, Edinburgh International Airport is also Scotland’s busiest. It operates 188 routes across America, mainland Europe, the Canary Islands, and the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Find out more about public transport connections between Edinburgh International Airport and the Bute

Driving from Edinburgh International Airport

Approximately 1hr 30mins drive to Wemyss Bay, starting point for the Bute. Find driving directions

By Sea

The Bute is one of The Coig’s island destinations, and it is well served with regular ferry crossings from the mainland. There are two mainland locations – Wemyss Bay and Colintraive – which operate ferry crossings to the Isle of Bute.

Wemyss Bay to Rothesay Bay

Plan your journey to Rothesay Bay in Bute from the starting point of Wemyss Bay Ferry Terminal.
Find out more about getting to the Bute by ferry from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay Bay
Find out more about driving to Wemyss Bay  

Colintraive to Rhubodach

Alternatively you can join the Bute route by taking a ferry from Colintraive to Rhubodach.
Find out more about getting to the Bute by ferry from Colintraive
Find out more about driving to Colintraive

Larne and Belfast to Cairnryan

The Bute (via Wemyss Bay) is easily accessible from Northern Ireland by ferry throughout the year, with regular departures from Larne and Belfast to the ferry terminal at Cairnryan on Scotland’s west coast. Find out more about travelling to Cairnryan from Larne and Belfast

Driving from Cairnryan Ferry Terminal

Approximately 2hrs 10 mins hours to Wemyss Bay, starting point for the Bute. Find driving directions


The Cumbrae

Great Cumbrae is a tiny island which is enormously memorable! Merely four miles in length and two miles wide, the island is reached by ferry crossing from Largs, with Great Cumbrae as a whole often conflated with Millport, its only town. View The Cumbrae on the map.

By Road

The Cumbrae is one of the Coig’s island destinations, and it is well served with regular ferry crossings from the mainland. Find out more about getting to the Cumbrae by ferry

Plan your journey to the Cumbrae from the starting point of Largs Ferry Terminal. Find out more about driving to Largs

By Public Transport

As an island, visitors to the Cumbrae must board a ferry from Largs. The ferry terminal is easily accessible using train or bus. Find out more about planning your journey to the Cumbrae via public transport

By Rail

Trains run regularly from Glasgow Central Station to Largs. Find out more about planning your journey to the Cumbrae via train

By Bus

Buses run regularly from Buchanan Street Station to Largs alongside a network of local bus services within the Cumbrae.

Find out more about getting to Largs Ferry Terminal via bus
Find out more about local bus services within the Cumbrae

By Air
Prestwick International Airport

Prestwick International Airport is the closest airport to the Cumbrae and operates a selection of direct daily flights to and from mainland Europe and the Canary Islands. Find out more about public transport connections between Prestwick and the Cumbrae

Driving from Prestwick International Airport

Approximately 45 mins to Wemyss Bay, starting point for the Cumbrae.
Find driving directions

Glasgow International Airport

Glasgow International Airport is slightly further away from the Cumbrae, but benefits from a greater range of international flight connections including the Americas and the Middle East. There are also numerous flight connections to mainland Europe, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Find out more about public transport connections between Glasgow International Airport and the Cumbrae

Driving from Glasgow International Airport

Approximately 40 mins drive to Largs, starting point for the Cumbrae.
Find driving directions

Edinburgh International Airport

Although this airport is the furthest away from the Cumbrae, Edinburgh International Airport is also Scotland’s busiest. It operates 188 routes across America, mainland Europe, the Canary Islands, and the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Find out more about public transport connections between Edinburgh International Airport and the Cumbrae

Driving from Edinburgh International Airport

Approximately 1hr 30mins drive to Largs, starting point for the Cumbrae. Find driving directions

By Sea

The Cumbrae is one of The Coig’s island destinations, and it is well served with regular ferry crossings from the mainland.

Largs to Millport

Plan your journey to Millport in Cumbrae from the starting point of Largs Ferry Terminal.
Find out more about getting to the Cumbrae by ferry from Largs to Millport
Find out more about driving to Largs

Larne and Belfast to Cairnryan

The Cumbrae (via Largs) is easily accessible from Northern Ireland by ferry throughout the year, with regular departures from Larne and Belfast to the ferry terminal at Cairnryan on Scotland’s west coast. Find out more about travelling to Cairnryan from Largs and Belfast

Driving from Cairnryan Ferry Terminal

Approximately 2hrs to Largs Ferry Terminal starting point for the Cumbrae. Find driving directions