2020 – The Year of Coasts and Waters
This year, Scotland is celebrating its coasts and waters by hosting an array of events and activities.
“Water is the life-blood of our green and pleasant country, it’s what makes the landscape so special and loved.” Visit Scotland
You can find out more about the Year of Coasts and Waters here…
Get involved at Kelburn…
Explore our glen
Kelburn Estate gets its name from the Kel burn* which runs through the grounds. The Kel burn forged our spectacular glen over thousands of years, creating many gorges and waterfalls as it journeyed the half mile from the moors, to the sea.
Just a short walk from the castle is the waterfall pool, where the burn drops 20 feet into a sandstone grotto. A popular spot with our guests!
If you wish to see more of the glen, there are several trails – some more leisurely than others… (Please note: All trails do involve a certain amount of uphill walking and steps.)
The longest walk – the Long Glen Walk – takes you right to the top of the glen, starting back at Bow Briggs which overlooks a series of rocky pools of running water. Some 150 yards from the top, on the South Side is a beautiful 30ft waterfall, simply called ‘The Cascade’.
Discover our other trails here…
* (Scottish English) A small river
Take in the views
If you do make it to the top of the glen, you can come back down on the Upper Estate Road, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across the Firth of Clyde and over to the Isle of Arran.
There’s also the Viewpoint Bench, which is just a 10 minute walk from the centre and is a mix of grass and woodland path with an uphill gradient. It is well worth the effort – you’ll be able to see across the Clyde estuary and to its islands, and in the distance the Cowal hills, the Kyles of Bute and the north end of the Kintyre peninsula.
Camp (or Glamp!) by the Coast
We’re incredibly lucky to be located where we are, with the popular coastal town of Largs just 2 miles away. Wander the beach, explore the shops, enjoy a Nardinis icecream on the coast, and grab some traditional fish and chips! You can hop on a ferry at Largs over to the Isle of Cumbrae too.
Many other coastal towns and attractions are close by, including the craft town of West Kilbride, the Scottish Maritime Museum, ferries over to Bute and Arran, and many beautiful beaches.
With plenty to see and do in the area, why not make a weekend of it and bring a tent, or better yet – stay in one of our stunning glamping yurts!
