Cumbrae Slip Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Cumbrae Slip is easily accessible by road via the A78 coastal route, with good connections from Glasgow (approximately 45 minutes by car) and Ayr (about 30 minutes). Train services run regularly from Glasgow Central to Largs station, which is just a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Local bus services also connect with the train station and surrounding towns. If arriving by car, there's convenient long-stay parking available near the terminal, though spaces can fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. The terminal itself is well-signposted and features basic amenities for travelers awaiting their ferry crossing.

Tucked along the North Ayrshire coastline, Cumbrae Slip serves as the mainland departure point for ferries to the charming Isle of Cumbrae. This modest yet essential ferry terminal offers travelers their first glimpse of the stunning Firth of Clyde waters before embarking on the short crossing. With the picturesque town of Largs nearby, Cumbrae Slip combines convenient accessibility with the promise of island adventure just minutes away by ferry.

The most pleasant time to visit Cumbrae Slip and cross to the island is between May and September when temperatures are mild and daylight hours are longer. July and August bring the warmest weather, with temperatures averaging 15-18°C, perfect for exploring the island's coastal paths and beaches. The annual Largs Viking Festival in early September offers a cultural highlight if you're passing through the nearby town. Ferry services run more frequently during summer months, with crossings approximately every 15-30 minutes, while winter schedules are reduced but still regular. Consider visiting during weekdays in June or early September to enjoy favorable weather with fewer crowds.

The primary destination from Cumbrae Slip is the Isle of Cumbrae itself, with the ferry taking just 10 minutes to reach the island's landing point at Millport. From there, you can explore Millport's Victorian seafront, cycle the island's 10-mile coastal road, or visit Scotland's smallest cathedral. The ferry terminal's proximity to Largs also makes it possible to use it as a starting point for connections to other Clyde islands. Adventurous travelers can head to Largs for onward ferry connections to the Isle of Bute (approximately 35 minutes from Wemyss Bay) or the dramatic Isle of Arran (55 minutes from Ardrossan), both offering spectacular scenery and outdoor activities.

While Cumbrae Slip itself is primarily a transit point, the surrounding area offers plenty to enjoy before or after your ferry journey. The adjacent town of Largs boasts a charming promenade with views across to the islands, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Don't miss Nardini's, the famous Italian ice cream parlor that's been serving delicious gelato since 1935. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Vikingar! exhibition center, which brings to life the area's Norse heritage and the historic Battle of Largs. For nature lovers, the coastal path north of Largs provides stunning viewpoints across the Firth of Clyde, while Kelburn Castle and Country Centre, just a few miles away, offers beautiful gardens and unusual architecture with its graffiti-covered exterior.

The Cumbrae ferry crossing is one of Scotland's shortest island ferry routes, taking just 10 minutes but transporting you to what feels like a different world. Local tradition suggests that residents of Cumbrae don't consider themselves as going to the mainland, but rather 'going to Scotland' when they take the ferry. The nearby town of Largs gained historic significance after the Battle of Largs in 1263, which marked the beginning of the end of Norse influence in Scotland. Interestingly, the Isle of Cumbrae is often affectionately called 'Scotland's most accessible island' due to its quick and frequent ferry service from Cumbrae Slip.