901 Clyde Flyer

Glasgow - Greenock - Gourock - Wemyss Bay - Largs

This is a fun packed city that leaves the bustling cultural melting pot of Glasgow behind and in no time at all is traversing fabulous quintessentially West Scottish scenery, with beautiful and slightly rugged coastal views. The route is also the gateway across the sea to wonderful, enchanted islands with adventures to enjoy and sights to behold.

Prices:

Visit the McGills website

Travel Type:

Bus

No. of Attractions:

6 places to visit

View journey Attractions
Journey Duration:

1 hour 52 minutes

Route Frequency:

Every 30 minutes

Starting point:

Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow

How to get here

Journey fact:

Largs is famous for being the site of the Battle of Largs in 1263, which saw the Scottish army defeat the Norwegian Vikings, effectively ending their reign in Scotland. The battle is commemorated every year with the Largs Viking Festival.

Journey Overview

Starting from Glasgow’s busy Buchanan Street bus station, the bus heads through the main shopping and restaurant areas of this energetic city, towards shopping paradise Braehead, where the scenery very soon is transformed into rolling hills, lush greenery and in spring and summer, flowers in full bloom.

There’s still that hint of urban life, but it’s increasingly dwarfed by countryside as the bus straddles the picturesque River Clyde and glimpses of the sea, that excitingly and with a sense of impending occasion, become less distant with each mile passing.

Historic buildings in Greenock emerge, dating back to the 19th century and with Loch Long to the right of the bus, providing a fabulous scene of contrasts! Enchantment abounds as Greenock gives way to Gourock with a breathtaking view from the railway station, with sea crashing off the rocks, just the other side of the road from the bus stop. It’s possibly the most scenic bus stop in the UK! There’s fascinating Victorian architecture here in Greenock on one side of the bus as it travels through the town and majestic mountains on the other. The scenery goes up a notch once more as the bus approaches McInroy’s Point. It’s particularly stunning in the winter months when blankets of snow cover the mountains.

The bus then winds it way alongside the sea towards Lunderston Bay, where the coastline is rugged and with great views across the water to the blissful Dunoon. Then it’s further south-westwards and green fields with quaint villages dominate with Wemyss Bay emerging – sea on one side, lush green hills on the other. Finally, this gripping journey reaches its climax in Largs and its charming seafront and Victorian pier with great views of the Firth of Clyde and Arran, and popular departure point for boat tours.

A Fab Day Out!

There’s a really exciting adventure of a day to be enjoyed on the Clyde Flyer, with a wealth of adventure on offer across all parts of this eclectic route!

Starting in Glasgow, customers can take a stroll through the bustling city centre, soaking up the vibrant energy and cultural diversity of Scotland’s largest city. There are plenty of things to do in Glasgow, including visiting the Glasgow Cathedral, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the vibrant Merchant City.

Then, it’s onto the Clyde Flyer and as the bus leaves Glasgow and heads towards Bothwell Street, customers can see the towering buildings and bustling streets of the city centre being left behind. The journey continues towards Braehead, where there’s a great opportunity to stop for some shopping and entertainment at the Braehead Shopping Centre and Arena.

Next, the bus stops at Port Glasgow Bus Station, where customers can alight and  explore the town’s rich maritime history at the McLean Museum and Art Gallery. From here, the bus travels towards Greenock Kilblain Street, where customers can see the historic buildings and architecture that date back to the 19th century.

As the bus approaches Gourock Station, customers can take in the stunning view of the sea and the rolling hills, as well as across the Clyde Estuary. It’s worth disembarking in Gourock as it really is a charming seaside town with plenty of things to do, including visiting the Gourock Outdoor Pool and if you enjoy a round of golf, then there’s the Gourock Golf Club. Walks aplenty can be enjoyed in this fantastic town and beyond too. The famous Gourock Outdoor Pool, is one of the last remaining outdoor saltwater swimming pools in Scotland and has been a popular attraction since it opened in 1909. Meanwhile, frequent ferries operate from Gourock to Dunoon, Kilcreggan and Helensburgh.

Back on-board the bus and it soon approaches McInroy’s Point and Lunderston Bay, where customers can take in the stunning views of the rugged coastline, sparkling sea and imperious mountains. The area is renowned for bird-watching, picnicking, and beachcombing. It is also home to a popular play park, café, and visitor centre, making it a great family-friendly destination.

On-board the bus again and the adventure continues towards Branchton Station, with more fabulous walks and scenery to be devoured across this lovely landscape.

Next, the bus stops at Inverkip Main Street, where customers can gorge on the historic buildings and architecture that date back to the 18th century. Finally, the bus reaches Wemyss Bay Station. Folk can take a stroll along the seafront and admire the stunning views of the sea and hills.

This invigorating journey ends at Largs Main Street and an opportunity to explore the town’s charming seaside attractions, including the Vikingar! Centre, the Largs Yacht Haven, and the stunning Largs Beach. A frequent ferry service runs from Largs to the stunning Isle of Cumbrae, whilst during the summer, the iconic Waverley Paddle Steamer enjoys regular sojourns!

How to get here...

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By rail, from London, Midlands and North West by Avanti, TransPennine Express or across Scotland on Scotrail.

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