Knock Old Castle looks out across the sea to the Isles of Arran and Bute and Cumbrae

This is an ideal spot to explore the islands and the Trossachs National Park. If golf is your thing then famous courses like Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick are nearby. The path from next door Skelmorlie gives you a 100 miles to cycle or walk. Be sure to visit the National Trust for Scotland’s fabulous Culzean Castle and at a less grand level the ice cream parlours of Largs are a treat! Glasgow is a quick train journey and both Prestwick and Glasgow airports are within a 40 minute drive.

There is a tennis court which can be used by arrangement with the owner.

Outside there are lawns to enjoy as well as a fairytale walk through the woods and over the little stone bridge. The views across to the sea are beautiful and there is a peace and quiet to this lovely rural spot that belies its proximity to the numerous nearby opportunities.

Golf

Ayrshire’s three OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP courses are within easy reach….ROYAL TROON, TURNBERRY and PRESTWICK. As are the OPEN qualifying courses of WESTERN GAILES, GLASGOW GAILES, BOGSIDE and BARASSIE and DUNDONALD.

There are also many other lovely courses all over Ayrshire, including ROUTENBURN which is a mile from Knock Old Castle, and of course further afield but suitable for a day trip are such famous courses as:

LOCH LOMOND, ST ANDREWS, CARNOUSTIE, GLENEAGLES AND MUIRFIELD.

EXPLORE THE ISLANDS IN THE FIRTH OF CLYDE

CUMBRAE is 2 miles away via a ferry from Largs. It is fabulous for cycling on the sparsely trafficked roads, and has the smallest Cathedral in the British Isles. It is a gem and has lovely concerts every Sunday afternoon in the summer.

BUTE Is a glorious and unspoilt throwback to the heydays of the 19th Century when it used to be a fashionable place to spend the summer. It is great for walks and cycling, has many historic buildings but no trip there would be complete without a visit to MOUNT STUART HOUSE, built in the late 19th century by the Marquess of Bute and one of the most extraordinary buildings in the whole of Britain.

ARRAN. Reached by ferry from Ardrossan, some 15 miles from Knock. Famed as being the microcosm of Scotland. Easy for a day trip, with or without car as the bus services are numerous and convenient.

HUNTIN, SHOOTIN AN FISHIN

The Lanark and Renfrew Hunt hunts foxes in the adjoining county of Renfrewshire. There is an excellent clay pigeon range near Dalry, where expert tuition is also given Within 10 miles there are several “pay by day” fisheries for wild trout and stocked lochs. Salmon fishing is available on a pay by day basis on several rivers in South Ayrshire

There is also good sea fishing.

Cycling

The islands are great for peaceful cycling. The adventurous could consider the “5 ferries” trip which is 75 miles long from Knock back to Knock and involves crossing the sea on 5 ferries. Dunoon and beyond has good mountain biking.

Horse Racing

Ayr Racecourse is less than an hour away and is home to both the Ayr Gold Cup, Britain’s richest sprint, and the Scottish Grand National

Sailing

Largs Marina is 2 miles away, and other marinas in the vicinity are Troon, Ardrossan, and Inverkip. Sailing in the Firth of Clyde is world renowned, and a lot of racing takes place in the summer

Walking

Virtually wherever you like. Remember there is no law of trespass in Scotland as long as you behave yourselves and don’t enter people’s gardens.

Horse Riding

Just turn up to Kelburn Castle some 3 miles away.

Other Attractions

KELBURN CASTLE: Is close by. It dates from the 13th Century and is the longest lived in house by the same family in the whole of Scotland, the Boyle family, now the Earls of Glasgow. It has all sorts of attractions open to the public, and has a most extraordinarily exciting graffiti painted by Brazilian graffiti artists over the entire tower.

MANY MUSEUMS: Especially to do with Robert Burns in and around Ayr near where Robert Burns was born

GLASGOW: Long known as the second city of the Empire with appropriate buildings to boot, hit hard times, but now springing back with entrepreneurial and artistic vigour. A fascinating city with some of Britain’s finest museums. Kelvingrove, the Burrell etc. Less than an hour away . EDINBURGH. Less than 2 hours away. The capital of Scotland and one of the most beautiful cities in the whole world with all the facilities to boot.

DELIGHTFUL RESTAURANTS: Some close by, some worth a destinational trip, amongst the latter being the Colintraive Inn, in the Kyles of Bute, Inver Cottage, The Oystercatcher Inn and Portavadie all on Loch Fyne, and all available via a delightful ferry trip to Dunoon which is officially in the HIGHLANDS and the entrance to a different Highland world of intrigue, romance and Sir Walter Scott.

BESPOKE SERVICES ON REQUEST

CHEF: We can put you in touch with a top quality 5 star chef who will offer a whole range of catering services from cooking to waiting at table. Please give us several weeks notice.

TOURS: We can organise tours for guests to the surrounding countryside and indeed further afield. We are in the heart of one of the main areas where OUTLANDER was shot and can put you in touch with bespoke tour operators who can collect you and drop you off.

SPORTING ACTIVITIES: We can help organise visits to local sporting activities including golf, sailing and fishing.

WE COULD BANG ON AND ON: And yes, probably have, but I’m sure you can also do your own research online, BUT, by gracing us with your presence at Knock Old Castle you have come to a fascinating part of Scotland and we hope that the Castle itself might be one of the highlights.

With very best wishes from the owners, Bruce and Nicky Walker.

THANKS FOR COMING, HAVE A GREAT TIME AND ENJOY YOURSELVES