Stunning North Ayrshire

Beautiful walks near Carlton Seamill B & B
   
  On Seamill shore – for example, along the Hydro Beach to West Kilbride Golf Course and Ardneil Bay – observe the diversity of seabirds – and the seals!
  
  Or, a little further, to Portencross with its famous medieval castle, historic harbour and picturesque, ruined pier – the BBC's "Para Handy" was partly filmed here – and, in July 2004, Portencross Castle was featured in Griff Rhys Jones’ “Restoration” series on BBC 2
  
  For the energetic, climb up Tarbet Hill (behind Carlton) to enjoy the fabulous, panoramic views over West Kilbride and the Firth of Clyde
  
  If you prefer rural to coastal – a leisurely stroll through Kirktonhall Glen takes you, through a secluded woodland setting, by the Kilbride burn – to the small, friendly town of West Kilbride
  
  
  Sports facilities near Carlton Seamill B & B
   
  Swimming pool and leisure centre – at Seamill Hydro Hotel – 5 minutes' walk away
  
  Golf – at West Kilbride, Largs, Prestwick, Royal Troon, Turnberry, Western Gailes – and many other local courses
  
  Sailing, water-sports and marinas – at Largs, Fairlie, Ardrossan, Troon, Inverkip
  
  Horse-riding – at Kelburn Castle, Fairlie – and at the Ayr Equestrian Centre, Ayr
   
  
  Culture and tourism attractions near Carlton Seamill B & B
  
  Arran – often described as Scotland in Miniature – this majestic island may be bathed in sunshine, shrouded in mist or drookit with rain – take Brodick Castle and Gardens as your starting-point – only a ferry-trip away
  
  Robert Burns Country – Scotland’s National Bard was Ayrshire born-and-bred – see Burns Cottage at Alloway, near Ayr, and follow the Heritage Trail – an hour’s drive away
  
  Culzean Castle – a tour de force by Robert Adam, now flagship of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) – near Ayr – an hour's drive away
  
  Helensburgh – famous for Hill House, masterpiece of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, now also in the care of the NTS – an hour's drive away
  
  Loch Lomond and the Trossachs – Scotland’s first National Park – see how beautiful and majestic Scotland can be – only an hour's drive away;
  
  Glasgow – for example, the Burrell Art Collection, a repository of superb fine art collected by a Glasgow shipping magnate – an hour's drive away
  
  Stirling – Braveheart Country – steeped in the history of William Wallace, one of Scotland's greatest heroes; climb the inspiring Wallace Monument and see William's mighty broadsword – only 90 minutes' drive away;
  
  Edinburgh – Scotland's Capital City – one of the loveliest cities in Europe – home of the International Festival and leading cultural events – and home of the new Scottish Parliament – two hours’ drive (or less) away
  
  
  West Kilbride Community Initiative Ltd
  
  Carlton Seamill is proud to be part of the popular, seaside resort of Seamill and the lovely, historic, rural parish of West Kilbride.

 The best of all possible worlds, we believe!
  
  Carlton Seamill wholeheartedly supports the West Kilbride Community Initiative Ltd which is fostering the regeneration of West Kilbride and bringing craftspeople of excellence to this area.
  
  For information, please contact: - the Initiative Centre & Shop, 86 Main Street, West Kilbride, Ayrshire, KA23 9AP.  Tel: West Kilbride (01294) 822266.
  
  Recommended reading
  
  “West Kilbride, Seamill, Portencross and thereabouts” (ISBN 0-9516831-1-X), published by the West Kilbride Amenity Society.  Cost £11.00.  This well-presented book contains a wealth of fascinating details about our area.  Un-put-downable!
  
  Available from the West Kilbride Initiative Centre and from good local bookshops.