Saltcoats Beach

Saltcoats is a wide, sandy beach with excellent views out over the Firth of Clyde and across to the mountainous Isle of Arran. It sits in a south-west facing bay between the towns of Saltcoats and Ardrossan.

The water stays quite shallow along the bay and there is a small, crossable stream runs down the middle of the beach. Saltcoats beach is backed by a long esplanade and a park area that is a good spot for family picnics. Along the esplanade there are toilet facilities and a children’s play area.

There is a car park along Montgomerie Crescent, with access to the centre of the beach down a short slipway. Further roadside parking is also available. Ardrossan South Beach Railway Station is just 100 meters from the beach, from which there are direct train services to Glasgow.

Visitors are well-catered for, with two town centres very close to the beach; Saltcoats at the south-eastern end and Ardrossan at the north-western end. Both have plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

The picturesque ruins of Ardrossan Castle, sit atop a small hill not far from the beach. The ancient castle was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in 1648, and is said to be haunted by the ghost of none other than “Braveheart” - William Wallace.