Find answers to common questions about visiting Mapes of Millport, bike hire, getting to Cumbrae, cycling around the island, electric bikes, dog trailers, family bikes, repairs, fishing tackle and more.
Getting to Largs – easily reached by Bus, Train or Car, Largs is about 40 Minutes from Glasgow
Often referred to as Scotland’s most accessible island, the Isle of Cumbrae is situated a short ferry ride from the coastal town of Largs. There is a ferry terminal located in Largs town centre and is well signposted.
Ferry fares can change, so we recommend checking the latest Largs to Cumbrae Slip ferry prices directly with CalMac before travelling. If you are visiting without a car, the local bus normally meets the ferry and runs between Cumbrae Slip and Millport.
We are a short 10 – 15 minute bus ride or drive from the ferry and are situated in the centre of Millport beside the crazy golf. There is a bus stop almost right outside our shop. Our van sits outside and shows Cycle Hire.
Absolutely, there is on the street parking all along the front street.
We have over 400 bikes available so booking is not necessary. We have now launched our booking system so you can book online if you want, you can click the link below and go to the book now page
Prices vary depending on the type of bike or vehicle and how long you hire for. Please visit our Bike Hire page for current prices, availability and online booking.
Generally, bikes can hold weights averaging 260 pounds or 18.5 stone at a speed of about 10 mph on level ground. But several factors should also be considered if you’re planning to carry heavy loads on a bike, such as the distribution of the weight as well as the wheels, tires, material components and make of the bike. Alloy steel is one of the most preferred materials when it comes to sturdiness because it combines several elements, including carbon and iron, to create a tough product.
Yes we do, we have Forme Cromford 1 ELS and Barracuda Rogue “Monkey Bikes” available to rent. Please visit our bike hire page to book them
https://mapesmillport.co.uk/bike-hire/
Yes we have everything from stabilizers/kids trikes through to 13inch frames with 26 in wheels for the early teen.
Sadly no, all our equipment is fitted to our own bikes.
Absolutely, we are the only bicycle hire shop on the island who have three fully qualified bicycle mechanics working for us. All have been trained to Gold Velotech standard, we are also certified for working on Bosch e-bikes, and we are a member of the Association of Cycle Traders.
Yes. Mapes of Millport holds public liability insurance for our cycle hire and shop operations. We also maintain our hire fleet carefully, with trained mechanics and regular checks to help keep customers safe.
We would recommend minimum of 1 year old however read the below and do your research:
“It’s not so much a question of age, but of physical development. Infants vary a lot as to the age at which they are able to sit up unaided (as in sitting in the middle of the carpet, playing with toys etc), which is when they are ready to ride in the usual sort of bicycle child seat. Usually this is about nine months. And the length of your cycle ride between stops for some other activity should not exceed the length of time they are content to do that.”
We absolutely do, being dog lovers we do not want them to miss out on the fun, as such we are the only bike shop on the island to offer dog carriers made for dogs and Kiddie Cabs for kids.
Yes we do service bikes and repairs, we have a fully stocked servicing centre, two trained bike mechanics with over 10 years servicing experience and can carryout all work required from a simple puncture through to a full service. please call to book your bike in 01475530444
We have taken part in cycle repair support schemes when available. Please contact us to check whether any current repair scheme or funding support is available at the time of booking.
Whether you have a puncture or a thrown chain through to just cant make it, at Mapes of Millport we offer a collection service for up to two individuals or a replacement bike to keep you heading round the island.
Its has been said that the distance round the island is 10.25 miles, now whether or not it is shrinking according to route planners and all tracking apps it comes in at 9.97 miles, either way when you make it round you will get a certificate from one of the 10.2 crew to say you made it round the island!
Yes we do some traditions should never be changed!
We have already seen as young as 3 years old get a certificate for covering the 10.2 miles so this is possible. However with a host of Tag Along’s, Kiddie Cab’s and Baby Carrier’s available we can cover off your need.
Yes. Mapes of Millport stocks a large and regularly changing range of fishing tackle, rods, reels, bait, crab lines, nets, buckets and seaside essentials in store.
Yes, we usually stock bait, although availability can vary depending on the season and current stock. Please visit the shop to see what is available on the day.
Our fishing stock changes regularly, so we do not list everything online. The best thing to do is visit us in store on Guildford Street.
Popular shore fishing areas include Wishing Well, Farland Point and The Targets. Conditions can change, so always check the tide, weather and access before fishing.
