walk 13 - goldenberry hill
If you live near Ardrossan or Largs, and you work long shifts and can only spare a couple of hours, but still want a great panorama, then this short hill climb should round off your day. Goldenberry Hill is off the tourist trail, but it is easily accessible, and can be seen for several miles along the Clyde coast. This hill affords views of the full suite of Firth of Clyde islands, including Aisla Craig on the southern horizon. This hill is also a geographical turning point, between the Cowal-Bute-Inverclyde area, and the wide bay between West Kilbride and Ayr.
This walk is located along a minor road leading from the West Kilbride junction on the A78 to the small hamlet of Portencross. There is other walking territory around here, including a beach towards Seamill, and a walk from Portencross (and castle) towards the Hunterston Power Station boundary fence (beneath the geologically unique Ardneil Crags). Goldenberry Hill is essentially behind the crags. Warning: walkers should beware of bulls, which usually graze around the hill-top in the warmer months.
You can walk here from the bus stops (along the A78) in Seamill, or even - if you dare - from West Kilbride station. However, the safest option is to park the car at the car park at Portencross. Walk back along the road and turn left and up towards Ardneil Farm. Keep walking straight ahead, past the houses and barns, and towards the fields.
Follow the metalled path, which leads in an almost perfectly straight direction towards Gooseberry Hill. This passes alongside some arable fields towards a small woodland (Photo 1). There isn't much to see along this stretch, although the path rises slowly, and the view to the south and southeast opens up (Photos 2, 3). Pass through the wood and keep following the metalled path, which becomes steeper and passes alongside fields occupied by livestock (Photo 4). The view towards Seamill and the hills behind are more impressive (Photo 6). Bulls are a prized livestock in this area, and walkers must not trespass into the adjacent fields (Photo 6). The hills behind Fairlie (Kames Hill and Crosbie hills) are visible to the east (Photo 7).
The metalled road reaches a dead end just before the hill. The fence is padlocked, and for good reason: bulls can wander up to the top of the hill. LOOK before clambering over the gate. If there are no bulls nearby, follow the landrover tracks up to the top of the hill beside the mobile phone mast (Photo 8). (There is a trig point just over a wall, but this is covered by an electric fence, so don't bother.) Provided the weather is good, you should be rewarded with pleasing views of Little Cumbrae and the south end of Bute (Photo 9), and towards Millport and the Fairlie Straits (Photo 10).
You can walk here from the bus stops (along the A78) in Seamill, or even - if you dare - from West Kilbride station. However, the safest option is to park the car at the car park at Portencross. Walk back along the road and turn left and up towards Ardneil Farm. Keep walking straight ahead, past the houses and barns, and towards the fields.
Follow the metalled path, which leads in an almost perfectly straight direction towards Gooseberry Hill. This passes alongside some arable fields towards a small woodland (Photo 1). There isn't much to see along this stretch, although the path rises slowly, and the view to the south and southeast opens up (Photos 2, 3). Pass through the wood and keep following the metalled path, which becomes steeper and passes alongside fields occupied by livestock (Photo 4). The view towards Seamill and the hills behind are more impressive (Photo 6). Bulls are a prized livestock in this area, and walkers must not trespass into the adjacent fields (Photo 6). The hills behind Fairlie (Kames Hill and Crosbie hills) are visible to the east (Photo 7).
The metalled road reaches a dead end just before the hill. The fence is padlocked, and for good reason: bulls can wander up to the top of the hill. LOOK before clambering over the gate. If there are no bulls nearby, follow the landrover tracks up to the top of the hill beside the mobile phone mast (Photo 8). (There is a trig point just over a wall, but this is covered by an electric fence, so don't bother.) Provided the weather is good, you should be rewarded with pleasing views of Little Cumbrae and the south end of Bute (Photo 9), and towards Millport and the Fairlie Straits (Photo 10).
All text, maps and imagery are copyright of Dr Malcolm Sutherland (2013 - 14).
DISCLAIMER: visitors to this website must take all necessary precautions when travelling to the sites listed in this website and when walking. People viewing this website are entirely responsible for their own transportation, health and safety if they travel to relevant locations and attempt any of the walks listed on this website.
DISCLAIMER: visitors to this website must take all necessary precautions when travelling to the sites listed in this website and when walking. People viewing this website are entirely responsible for their own transportation, health and safety if they travel to relevant locations and attempt any of the walks listed on this website.