Arran Coastal Way Walking Adventure Multi-day tour

Day 1 – Ferry from Ardrossan to Arran and optional short walk

After a short and pleasant one-hour ferry crossing we arrive into Brodick and there is an option to do one of the many lovely shorter walks in the area around Brodick before checking into our B&B. We will get together before dinner for an informal introduction and a chat about the exciting week ahead.

Walk details: depending on weather and timings (max 7 km)

Day 2 – Brodick to Corrie via Goatfell

Today we begin our trek on the Arran Coastal Way Walking Adventure, with a leisurely stroll along Fishermans walk to the Isle of Arran Brewery. Here we allow you the option of some time to look in the shop and sample a beer. (Or buy one for later!).

From here we begin our ascent of Goatfell, the highest mountain on the island standing at 874 metres high. Our ascent offers fabulous views back over Arran, with Holy island being a prominent point!

After a rocky section, we reach the summit where the views are simply stunning over the ridges of the other Arran peaks. Our descent takes us down to the small village of Corrie.

Walk details: 12.5 km/ 7 miles | approx. 5 – 6 hours | Ascent 850 m/2790 ft | Descent 850 m/2790 ft

Day 3 – Corrie to Lochranza

We start the day in the wee village of Corrie and walk along the quiet coastal road where there is plenty of wildlife to look out for until we reach the village of Sannox.

From here the route is arguably classed as one of the best sections of the Coastal way, starting with a lovely section of a coastal footpath and forest track.

The path is pretty good but does have some muddy and very rocky sections, and involves some very enjoyable sections of minor boulder scrambling along the coast before we eventually arrive into Lochranza.

Walk details: 19 km/ 11 miles | approx. 5.5 – 6 hours | Ascent 120 m/400 ft |

Day 4 -Lochranza to Imachar

After a morning distillery tour and tasting, we are raring to go further on the Arran Coastal Way Walking Adventure! With a hilltop route between Lochranza and Catacol this section then encompasses a stretch of walking beside or on the quiet main road.

Still, with plenty of interest along the way, the route passes through the delightful village of Pirnmill before heading onto the shore for the final few kilometres before reaching Imachar.

We also take a detour along the route, up to the beautiful Coire Fhionn Lochan with its white gravel beach, a great place for a paddle. This lies between Catacol and Pirnmill and adds about 5 km in total to our 14 km section of the coastal way walk, but is well worth the effort!

Walk details: 19.5 km/ 12 miles | approx. 6 – 7 hours | Ascent 500 m/1640 ft | Descent 500 m/2790 ft

Day 5 – Imachar to Blackwaterfoot

The first section is along the pleasant coastal roadside and we then take a side trip to the impressive Machrie Moor stone circles, associated with religious activities dating as far back as 4500 years ago!

The coastal way then follows an excellent path to the shore and passes the King’s cave (renowned to have been a location where Robert the Bruce had his famous encounter with a spider).

There are also several interesting carvings to be seen within the caves. From here the route continues along a coastal footpath around Drumadoon point and into Blackwaterfoot.

Walk details: 16 km/ 10 miles | approx. 5 – 6 hours | Ascent 165 m/540 ft |

Day 6 – Blackwaterfoot to Lagg

This section follows the coast to 3 caves, the middle one being Preaching Cave (this smoke-blackened cave was once used as a church).

The route then continues over varied terrain to Sliddery. Wildflowers are often in abundance in late spring through to summer/early autumn. Although sections are on the quiet road, the views are simply stunning!

The route then climbs inland and just avoids the only nudist beach on Arran before following the road downhill to the small village of Lagg.

Walk details: 12 km/ 7.5 miles | approx. 4-5 hours | Ascent 210 m/690 ft |

Day 7 – Lagg to Whiting Bay

This day offers exceptional coastal walking including exciting scrambling over boulders which should not be underestimated!

The path then takes us to the lovely small village of Kildonan where seals and otters are often spotted on the dykes extending out to sea.

There are two options from here which both offer interest, either continuing along the coast for those who are happy to do even more boulder scrambling, whilst the alternative is to head inland on forestry tracks to Giants grave and Glenashdale falls before arriving at the lovely coastal village of Whiting Bay.

Walk details: 16 – 19 km/ 10 – 12 miles | approx. 6 – 8 hours | Ascent 85 – 390 m/280 – 1280 ft |

Day 8 – Whiting Bay to Brodick

This newly rerouted section takes us through Whiting Bay village and round Kingscross point and past a Viking grave and iron age hill fort and follows much of the shore with beach walking and newly laid boardwalks in the woods taking in many natural features.

We then continue from Lamlash around the coast taking in amazing views of Holy isle and then continuing on a footpath before crossing fields and heading down into Brodick.

For our last evening on the island, Brodick offers a variety of services with great bars offering good food and live folk music.. a fine end to a memorable and challenging week!

Walk details: 18 km/ 11 miles | approx. 6 – 7 hours | Ascent 230 m/760 ft |

Day 9 – Homeward Bound

There is an option to visit the famous Arran Aromatics shop and outlet and Arran cheese shop before we take the ferry from Brodick back to Ardrossan on mainland Scotland, with onward train travel to Edinburgh/Glasgow, included.

Walk details: no walking