Great Cumbrae
Island Small Scottish island in Clyde, home to Millport
Great Cumbrae sits in the Firth of Clyde with Millport as its main town; day-trippers arrive by ferry from Largs to cycle the coastal road, eat seafood and walk sandy bays.
Great Cumbrae is a small island in the Firth of Clyde off Scotland’s west coast, part of North Ayrshire. The island’s principal settlement is the town of Millport.
Great Cumbrae has supported small-scale settlement, fishing and tourism for centuries, with Millport growing as the island’s service and visitor centre. The island’s character has long been shaped by maritime links to the mainland.
The island lies in the Firth of Clyde and is reached by regular ferry from Largs on the Ayrshire coast; it is part of the council area of North Ayrshire in Scotland.
- Ferry access: Regular vehicle and passenger ferries link the island to the mainland town of Largs, making day visits common from the Ayrshire coast.
What to See #
- Millport (town): The main settlement on the island, offering shops, cafés and visitor services oriented to day-trippers and longer-stay visitors.
How to Get to Great Cumbrae #
Great Cumbrae is reached by a short ferry crossing from Largs on the Ayrshire mainland. The ferry lands at Millport, from where the island is easily walkable or cyclable.
Tips for Visiting Great Cumbrae #
- Take the ferry from Largs for the simplest crossing; check timetables seasonally as services vary.
- Rent a bicycle or walk the island-Great Cumbrae is compact and best explored at a slow pace.
- Climb the Glaidstone Hill for panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde and the Ayrshire coast.
Best Time to Visit Great Cumbrae #
Late spring through early autumn for best weather and ferry services; winter crossings may be rough.
Weather & Climate near Great Cumbrae #
Great Cumbrae's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1466 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (171 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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