The island has been inhabited since the end of the last ice age. These occurs perhaps most notably in the area surrounding Bell Bay - where the island's highest waterfall, Horse Falls, plunges over the old sea cliffs. Several have been enhanced with colourful paint.Ĭumbrae's western coastline has fine examples of raised beaches. Fault lines have formed some interesting rock formations which have become popular with tourists, including Crocodile Rock, Indian's Face, Lion's Rock and Queen Victoria's Face.
The island is on the Great Cumbrae fault line that runs north east to south west. The land on the island is primarily owned by the farmers, with the other major land owner being the Millport Golf Club.įlights across the Atlantic from British and many European airports often pass over the island. The usual island population of 1,434 (as in 2001) increases substantially during the summer tourist season due to the high proportion of second homes. Millport, the island's only town, is spread around a bay which makes up the entire south coast of the island. To the east, the views are not so extensive, being restricted by the higher ground of the Renfrew Hills only a few miles distant, however the town of Largs and village of Fairlie and the deep water coal terminal and power station at Hunterston can be seen. Ailsa Craig roughly marks the halfway point to County Antrim, which itself may be glimpsed if visibility is good. Looking south, Ailsa Craig is visible, around 40 miles distant beyond Little Cumbrae. To the west, the larger islands of Bute and Arran can be seen, while on the other side of Knapdale the Paps of Jura may be visible. In clear conditions, views extend north over the upper Clyde estuary to Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps.
From here an orientation point which indicates the locations of surrounding landmarks. The island is 2.4 miles long by 1.4 miles wide, rising to a height of 417 feet above sea level at "The Glaidstone" - a large, naturally occurring rock perched on the highest summit on the island. OS Triangulation Pillar at the island's summit
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