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
