Newton Beach Millport

A small shingle/sandy beach which lies below the promenade in the centre of Millport, the only town on the Isle of Cumbrae. A lovely beach for the whole family, gently sloping. The beach has intertidal pools and stunning views of the Eileans, Little Cumbrae and the Clyde Estuary. It is located a short walk from the other beach in Millport Bay, Kames Bay – a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

History

Millport is the only town on the island of Great Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde off the coast of North Ayrshire. Tourism is an important aspect of the economy. During the development of the River Clyde as a main thoroughfare for goods, shipbuilding and smuggling, Millport was a strategic base for Customs and Excise. The Victorian era was a period of rapid growth, both in terms of population, governance, amenities and property. To the west and east of the old harbour, many fine Victorian and Edwardian villas were built, along with new tenements. These still form the backbone of the housing stock.

Natural space

A sandy beach with open views to the Firth of Clyde, backed onto a promenade area.

Setting

The town is 4 miles (6 kilometres) south from the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry slipway. The small sandy beach offers spectacular views across to The Isle of Arran as well as of its smaller neighbour which lies barely a kilometre away, called Little Cumbrae.

Getting There

There is easy access from the promenade to the beach. Cumbrae is well known as a cycle friendly island, the beach is on the island Cycle Route. The 10 minute ferry crossing to Cumbrae can be taken from Largs, a regular bus service meets every ferry and runs from Millport to the ferry terminal.

Water quality information

This beach is a designated bathing water site. An electric sign displaying real-time bathing water quality predictions is available at this beach between 1 June - 15 September. You can also find out the daily prediction by visiting the SEPA website. Please observe local signage and only swim where it is safe to do so.