A stay in Inverkip can be planned from different perspectives: walking by the water, exploring sections of the Coastal Cruising cycle route, taking an excursion from the Clyde or delving into the history of the parish. For a day by the shore, there is a clearly described choice of routes; there are also specific places to visit and details for culture and whisky.
Coastal Walks and Cycle Routes
The flat coastal path, about 6.5 kilometres long, runs from Gourock via Lunderston Bay to Inverkip. If you would like to extend the route, you can walk a further 3 kilometres to Inverkip Marina. This distinguishes the shorter route from the option that continues to the marina. You can choose the flat coastal path of about 6.5 kilometres or extend it by a further 3 kilometres to Inverkip Marina.
There are also sections of the Coastal Cruising route for cycling. On the National Cycle Network, the route goes as far as Inverkip Marina. From Kip Marina, Coastal Cruising follows quiet roads towards Ardgowan Estate. The section to Inverkip Marina follows the National Cycle Network, while Coastal Cruising from Kip Marina towards Ardgowan Estate takes quiet roads. Check current route conditions before setting out, as they may change.
Excursions on the Water
Clyde Charters offers sightseeing packages from Kip Marina, with trips to the Sugar Boat in Greenock, Little Cumbrae and the surrounding sea lochs of the River Clyde. The packages currently available may change; check availability in advance if you are planning an excursion.
Whisky Tour and Practical Planning
Ardgowan Distillery offers a 90-minute tour that ends with a guided tasting of three whiskies from the Clydebuilt range. Inverkip railway station is 1.5 miles from the distillery; walking takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on conditions. Check the latest tour details before your visit. The distillery shop sells the company’s brands, including Clydebuilt, Inverdarach, Discovery and Exploration.
The tour combines an introduction to whisky-making with a tasting, while the journey from the railway station requires its own planning. If you want to include both in one day, the stated tour duration and approximate walking time can help you plan. The walking time is an estimate and may vary depending on conditions.
Church History and Ardgowan
Inverkip’s history dates back to the 12th century. The parish was founded in 1188 by the monks of Paisley Abbey and has a history of more than 800 years of Christian worship. Another testament to its church history is the tomb monument near Kirkbrae House, which includes the remains of Inverkip’s medieval parish church. The burial ground remained in use after the church was demolished; the last burials took place around 1970. The monument is of national significance for understanding medieval church architecture and funerary monuments in Inverclyde.
Ardgowan offers another historical context in the surroundings of Inverkip. Its designed landscape dates from around 1800 and is a good example of James Ramsay’s work. Ancient woodlands and Ardgowan’s coastal area create diverse habitats and give the designed landscape considerable nature-conservation value. The history of the estate goes back further: in 1403, Robert III granted it to his illegitimate son, Sir John Stewart.
The architecture also makes its own impression. Ardgowan House is a Renaissance mansion with a chapel in the Gothic Revival style. Together with the parish history, the monument and the landscape, it offers a cultural contrast to the coastal paths and excursions on the Clyde.
Discover more destinations: Wemyss Bay, Gourock, Greenock
Return to the regional travel overview: Inverclyde.
