Arran Coastal Way

Today is the day we will all make our way to Brodick for our Arran Coastal Way adventure. The main route onto the Isle of Arran is by ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick. There is also a roll-on-roll-off crossing in the north of the island (Claonaig→Lochranza), which might suit those arriving by car and looking for a scenic route to the island.

Travelling to Arran is surprisingly simple, with fantastic transport links. From Glasgow Central Train Station, you can catch a train straight to Ardrossan Town Station, next to the ferry port servicing Arran. For those travelling by air, the nearest airport is Glasgow International, from which you can get a shuttle bus into Glasgow city centre, where the train station is easy to access.

It is advisable to book your ferry ticket well in advance and once the summer timetable is released. Once you have arrived in Brodick, your accommodation will be just a short walk away. 

In the evening, you will get a chance to meet the rest of your group, as well as your guides, for a welcome evening and briefing. This will be in a local pub/restaurant where you will have the option of an evening meal.

Today is the first day of our journey around the Isle of Arran and we begin at Sannox Bay. This beautiful beach is the perfect start to our adventure and will also mark the end in six days’ time.

We will head away from the beach on excellent paths, offering beautiful views over the sea towards mainland Scotland. After following the River Sannox through a pretty woodland the path turns into a wider landrover track offering easy walking through Leac Gharbh. This path takes us to the interesting rock formations of Fallen Rocks where the trail becomes narrower and softer underfoot as we approach Millstone Point and its caves.

After a magnificent lunch stop near Laggan, we will continue on rougher ground. While the path is still obvious, it twists and winds its way through rockier terrain and provides a great contrast to this morning’s walking. As we reach the end of the day, the path becomes gentle and wide once again.

We will soon be greeted by views of the small coastal village of Lochranza.

Distance: 9 miles / 14.5 km
Total ascent: 300m
Time: 5.5-6 hours

Accommodation in Brodick

Today we will begin by passing Lochranza Castle. This interesting building based on a medieval hall-house extends into Loch Ranza on a small peninsula, giving the impression that it is actually in the loch itself.

From here a small ascent takes us onto the hillside, which we will contour around to gain magnificent views of Catacol Bay. Once we drop down to sea level we have a section of road walking to complete before rejoining the coast at Rubha Airigh Bheirg. A further section of road walking will bring us to Whitefarland Point. This is perhaps the highlight of the day; a beautiful coastal section with glorious views.

However, do be aware that the walking here is awkward underfoot. We will take our time as we negotiate a section of boulders. One final section of road walking takes us into Machrie, where we will finish for the day.

While today does include significant sections of road walking, it is well worth it to access the beautiful coastal path in between.

Today we will start with a short section along the road before descending to the edge of a forest and back onto the coastal path. This is a fabulous section of the walk whereby the coastal path explores a famous area of caves, the highlight of which is King’s Cave. This vast cave is well worth exploring inside for a better look.

From here the path continues along an awkward boulder field, but the views ahead of the basalt crags of The Doon make the tougher walking well worth the effort. After walking along the sandy beach of Drumadoon Bay we will reach Blackfoot Water, a likely lunch stop.

From here we will follow an awkward path along the beach around Kilpatrick Point and past a series of beautiful rock formations and caves. One of them, The Preaching Cave, was once used as a church after the clearances in 1843. As we continue, the path becomes rockier, so we will take our time weaving through the boulders until we reach a wide, flat grassy area.

The path here can be boggy at times as we make our way to Sliddery Water, a rather notorious river crossing. Wearing your sandals and rolling up your trousers is well recommended. There is an alternative route for anyone wishing to skip the river (or for when it’s in high water).

A short and easy section then takes us to Lagg, where we will finish for the day. For some, this may be the hardest day of the trek due to the nature of the trail, but with so much to see and explore, it is also perhaps one of the best.

Distance: 12 miles / 19.5 km
Total ascent: 280m
Time:7-8 hours

Accommodation in Brodick

Today we will begin by making our way straight back onto the coast. The walking at first is easy going following the beach itself before transitioning onto tracks that become less obvious as we progress.

As we approach the impressive Bennan Head, the path will weave through boulders once more. After passing an incredible waterfall we will reach the massive opening of Black Cave. Black Cave is the largest cave on Arran, measuring 80ft high, 40ft wide, and 100ft deep!

Next, we have a tricky section of cliff to walk around, which can be more challenging at high tide. We will structure the day to ensure we tackle this section at a suitable time. The awkward boulders continue, marking perhaps the most difficult section of negotiate, but it won’t be long before we reach a flat, grassy path once again. The walking here is easier as we pass yet another stunning waterfall and approach the beach.

From here Ailsa Craig comes into view, and for those who are very lucky, a large seal colony may be spotted basking on the rocks!

At Kildonan we will take the inland route of the Isle of Arran Coastal Way. This section gains a little height, rewarding us with spectacular views over to Holy Island. We will pass the Giants’ Graves before descending into the forest and arriving in Whiting Bay.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Total ascent: 350m
Time: 6-7 hours

Accommodation in Brodick

We will start the day by following the Glenashdale Burn as it winds its way through the forest to the impressive Glenashdale Falls. From here we will be on an excellent forest track all the way to Lamlash, where we will stop for lunch.

The forest track provides excellent views down to the coast and across to Holy Island. As we continue, we will gain our first views of Goatfell from the Arran Coastal Way – a landmark that we will catch glimpses of throughout the day.

Once in Lamlash we will follow a short section of road along the coast before joining a good track. This will take us around Clauchlands Point, where we will begin to ascend the hillside to stay on the inland route. This route once again offers stunning views of the coastline below as we make our way up to the viewpoint and hill fort of Dun Fionn.

From here, we will descend along excellent tracks, passing through fields until we reach Brodick itself.

Distance: 12 miles (19.5 km)
Total ascent: 480m
Time: 6-7 hours

Accommodation in Brodick

The last day of our journey will take us to the summit of Goatfell. Standing at 874m, this is the highest point on the island and no trek to Arran would be complete without aiming for its summit.

We will start from Brodick and follow the road to the Arran Brewery where our ascent begins. Heading up through the forest, the view will soon open up, revealing the spectacular mountain ahead. Don’t worry – we will take our time on the climb, knowing that for many, this may be their first mountain.

This is a popular walk, so for perhaps the first time this week, we may find ourselves on a busier path. Reaching the summit will be well worth the effort, with panoramic views across the island.

Our descent follows a less travelled but equally excellent track, allowing us to once again enjoy the peace and solitude of the Arran Coastal Way. Once we reach the road you will have the option to celebrate the completion of your trek, or for those wanting to walk the full circumference of the island, we will complete the final miles along the road back to our starting point at Sannox Bay.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Total ascent: 910m
Time: 8-8.5 hours

Accommodation in Brodick

Today is departure day and time to say our goodbyes. If like us you are booked on the first ferry to Ardrossan you will be welcome to a lift to the ferry terminal. Otherwise, it is just a short walk.