Portencross

Portencross comprises a tiny collection of cottages, a harbour, a castle, and a pier, and stands at the end of the B7048 a little under two miles west of West Kilbride in North Ayrshire.

The road to Portencross ends in the village and we will use the car park which you find on your left as you reach the first houses. From the car park you begin to appreciate why Portencross is such a magical spot. It stands at the most westerly point of North Ayrshire, close to Farland Head, and the coastal views are superb, taking in the island of Great Cumbrae to the north, Little Cumbrae and Bute to the north-west, and the Arran to the west. 

There should be plenty of scope for seascapes, including long exposures with appropriate ND filters. The Castle will be open on the day and views from the top can also be stunning. The small natural harbour by the castle often provides interesting photographic opportunities.

Portencross pier is well photographed structure. It has been described as the second concrete pier to be built in the world. The first was said to have been built further up the north west coast of Scotland, but has not been identified. It offers good leading lines and foreground interest for landscape images looking out to the islands. Locals often fish from the end of the pier which can make for interesting images. Egrets, swans, stonechats, knots and plovers are some of the bird species that may be seen in the area. Seals are also often observed.

Although the road ends in Portencross, it is possible to follow the coast north on foot. If you do so you emerge in a part of the world that is about as far away as the peace and quiet of Portencross as it is possible to imagine. A mile and a half from Portencross is the Hunterston Power Station which provides alternative industrial coastal landscape photographic opportunities.

Sturdy footwear is required as the beach is rocky. Warm waterproof clothing should also be brought in case conditions required it. The walk is contained within the immediate vicinity of the castle so there in no great distance to cover. Depending on the conditions on the day we may walk up the coast for a mile towards Hunterston.