The best walks and hikes around Skelmorlie

The Prophet's Grave is the burial site for the 17th-century preacher, the Reverend William Smith, and is located in the Brisbane Glen near Largs The Reverend William Smith died aged 28 from the plague in 1647. Smith only arrived to minister in the town three years before his death, having worked as a schoolmaster in nearby Irvine. He never married and records show that he died with only his books and his clothes. Such was his dedication that he continued to minister to his parishioners even after he had contracted the plague. Local legend recounts that he became known as the 'Prophet' because upon his deathbed he prophesied that Largs would be forever protected from plague or pestilence as long as the holly trees growing at his grave were prevented from touching. Older records indicate that the holly trees were located at the 'head' and 'foot' of the grave, however today two trees are located either side of the 'head' and three at the 'foot'. Relatives and others maintained the grave site and the result, intended or otherwise, of Smith's prophecy is that the site has been maintained and his name has never been forgotten. The grave site now consists of a recumbent stone standing on stone blocks near the Middleton Burn that runs down to the Noddsdale Water in the vicinity of the old Noddsdale corn and flour mill.

Good wee coffee stop.

Gorgeous little viewpoint this on a day with good weather. Lovely leg stretcher as well, does not take long, but makes for an enjoyable outing.

Coastal village in the Firth of Clyde. The Bay is a popular holiday destination, as well as a working ferry port, connecting to Rothesay on Bute. The author, John M. Leighton said about the area, "The coast at this place, as it is with a few exceptions along the whole course of the Frith, is bounded at a short distance back from the shore with a range of hills, sometimes rising in gentle slopes, and at other times in abrupt rocky precipices, from which is to be had a continued succession of beautiful and varied views."

A large, grassy hill offering views over Cumbraes, Arran, Bute and the Firth of Clyde. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be greeted by a trig point, as well as the remains of an Iron-Age hill fort.

The fisheries cafe is basic but serves good food cooked to order and an often very welcome hot drink. Worth a pit stop when running here.

The Greenock Cut is a leat built to supply water from the reservoir to Greenock. It was built in the 19th century and features ingenious overflow valves which self-maintain the flow using a bucket as a counterweight to open or close overflow gates in the main channel. This is the water divide above Braeside where water is channelled off to serve that area of the town. The Greenock Cut path is a very popular walking (cycling and horse riding is also allowed) trail that follows the cut from the visitor centre in a big loop of the hillside.

Loch Thom is a reservoir which has supplied drinking water to Greenock and the surrounding area since 1827. It's a popular fishing venue and pretty area for a walk.