The Paddle Steamer Visited

Photos

Local Area

Visited as part of walking the Ayrshire Coastal Path with this week's section going from Ardrossan to Largs passing through Seamill, Portencross and Fairlie. The section ends right outside the Largs Wetherspoons, called The Paddle Steamer, celebrating the Paddle Steamers that used to regularly paddle oot of Largs. Our old friend the PS Waverley keeps the tradition alive to this day. Seamill is named after the Sea Mill, a historic grain watermill dating back to at least 1654, as noted in Johannes Blaeu’s Atlas of Scotland. It is home to West Kilbride Golf Club, this 18-hole links course, designed by Tom Morris, is one of Ayrshire’s finest, hosting international tournaments and offering views over Arran. Portencross is a small, picturesque coastal hamlet, offering a tranquil escape with stunning views across the Firth to the Isle of Arran and the Kintyre Peninsula. Portencross Castle is a 14th-century stronghold perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop by the sea. The castle’s thick stone walls, spiral staircase, and battlements are well-preserved and offers panoramic views of Arran and the Clyde. Largs evolved from a fishing village to a thriving Victorian seaside resort, thanks to its steamer connections in the 19th century. Largs is famous for the Battle of Largs (1263), a pivotal clash between Scots and Norwegian Vikings, celebrated as a turning point in Scottish history with the battle’s outcome (a Scottish victory) weakening Norse control over the Hebrides. The annual Largs Viking Festival (late August/early September) features a parade, reenactments, and fireworks, drawing crowds to commemorate the battle.

The Pub

Named after the paddle steamers that sailed from Glasgow to Largs and from Largs to the islands. This pub is prime location, but to be honest a lot of the tables needed cleaning etc. A little quirk is that you can see into the 'cellar' of the pub with all the kegs of beer connected up, a bit like seeing into the engines in the Waverley perhaps? Kind of similar to the Oban Wetherspoons you can sit and watch the CalMac ferries come and go. Yet again the Lavvies are on the same level as the bar, but tucked away oot the road. Staff, OK, but as mentioned a lot of tables were covered in what looked like old food plates and empty drinks glasses.

Football Team

Largs Thistle Football Club were founded in 1889, they play at Barrfields Stadium, their home since 1930. They play in the West of Scotland League Premier Division and wear distinctive gold and black hooped kits. Their biggest achievement was winning the Scottish Junior Cup in front of ~8000 fans at Ibrox stadium.

Travel

Needed to utilize plan b again! The stagecoach bus strike has ended but last section I walked terminated at the railway so needed to start from there again. So train from Partick to Ardrossan via Glasgow Central using the bus pass for cheap rail fares. Busses there: Used train. Busses back: Train back from Largs to Partick via Glasgow Central. Next and final section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path I can get back to busses.

Beers

Belhaven 80 shilling. £1.79 a pint, score 3.5/5. No new beers on the menu for me. Belhaven Brewery is officially Scotland's oldest surviving regional brewery. Established in 1719 in Dunbar, East Lothian it's nestled in the local barley fields along the coast, with its name literally translating to "Beautiful Harbour". Commercial brewing on the Dunbar site stretches back to 1200s Benedictine monks, though the official brewery business was formalized in 1719. While still brewed in Dunbar using local East Lothian water and yeast, Belhaven was acquired in 2005 by English brewery Greene King. Belhaven’s 80 Shilling (affectionately called "80 Bob") is one of Scotland's most traditional flagship heavy ales. In Scottish brewing history, the "Shilling" (/-) system was used to categorize beer strength based on the historic tax or invoice price per barrel. Historically, 60/- was light, 70/- was heavy, and 80/- was "export" or premium strength. 80 Bob is a traditional Scottish Heavy / Amber Ale (3.9% ABV). Tasting Notes; pours a rich copper-brown with a light bronze head. Dominated by warm, toasted malt, caramel, and "Horlicks" maltiness, balanced by faint hints of orange peel and soft dried fruit. Food Pairings; the rich, caramel-malt profile of 80 Shilling makes it a natural match for hearty pub foods like Sausage & Mash, Venison or Beef Stew and Aged Cheddar. Famous for its iconic red-brick chimney, Belhaven brews classic cask ales like Belhaven Best (a staple in Scottish pubs), Belhaven Black Stout, and modern craft offerings like Twisted Thistle IPA.