- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
This 8 day walking trip is a perfect way to explore the Isle of Arran - which quite rightfully deserves its description as Scotland in miniature. The Arran Coastal Way deserves its place as one of Scotland's Great Trails, and, make no mistake, this is a challenging but rewarding 65 miles (105km) circular route visiting every corner of the island.Â
One of the most wonderful aspects of Arran is its plentiful wildlife - previous guests have seen deer, seals, herons, oyster catchers and even sea otters so it's worth keeping alert on your journey. The walk takes you through a mix of wild landscapes, to beautiful bays, ancient sites and 12 villages which means there's plenty of sightseeing opportunities and the chance for stops in the pubs along the way. It would certainly be a shame to miss the opportunity to sample the excellent local ale and a wee dram or two of whisky!Â
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Trip Highlights:
- Amazing views every dayÂ
- Cave Paintings in King’s CaveÂ
- Lochranza DistilleryÂ
- See the outcrop where James Hutton – the ‘father of modern geology’ – changed human understanding of the planet.Â
- Enjoy spectacular views of the Drumadoon Sill’s sheer cliffs and find evidence of the mysterious ‘hand-beast’Â
- Shoreline walksÂ
- Aspiring UNESCO Geo ParkÂ
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Brodick
Arrival in Ardrossan via train (routes available from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports) or coach (from Glasgow) or car. Â
Take the ferry across to Brodick. This is a one hour crossing. Regular sailings. Â
Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to explore the town or even go for a short walk on the beach.Â
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Day 2
Brodick to Whiting Bay
Following the low route of the Arran Coastal Way with views across to the mainland and to Holy Island. Passes Corriegills Point and Clauchlands Point. Mainly on footpath with the occasional section on quiet lanes. At Kingscross Point there is a Viking Burial Ground.Â
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Accommodation – You will be transfered from Whiting Bay to Lamlash for tonight's accommodation Â
Day 3
Sliddery to Blackwaterfoot
You can choose to start the day with a short bus ride by scheduled bus to Sliddery (Bus fare not included). Otherwise you have a few km on the road from Lagg to Sliddery and you can take some time to visit the Distillery in Lagg. There's an option at Sliddery to drop down to the coast to walk along the coastal path passing Preaching Cave. The terrain is a mix of rocky, boggy and undulating paths - it might be a little 'interesting' underfoot but the wild seascapes will definitely reward you for your efforts. Â
Day 4
Blackwaterfoot to Machrie Standing Stone
A day laden with history. It starts with passing the 2000-year-old Doon Fort, then along 600-million-year-old Triassic cliffs, and past dinosaur footprints. This is followed by the spectacular Kings Cave, which features Robert the Bruce amongst its apparent visitors. The walk culminates at the standing stones of Machrie Moor.Â
 Transfer back to Blackwaterfoot (as no accommodation in Machrie) Â
Day 5
Machrie to Lochranza
Transfer back to Machrie then continue along the Coastal Way with more spectacular views west across the Kilbrannan Sound to Kintyre. Most of today is beside the quiet round-the-island road, with superb vistas at all points. You'll pass the Pirnmill Lighthouse and a stop at its café is recommended. Â
Accommodation – You'll be based in Lochranza or transferred to the Corrie Hotel in Corrie sepending on availability.Â
Day 6
Lochranza to Corrie
A lovely and remote section passing around the northern tip of the island which is called the Cock of Arran. he views today are exceptional, reaching right across the water to the Isles of Inchmarnock and Bute. Today you'll walk beside the coast and under the steep sides of Corloch passing beneath fallen rocks. After a quiet woodland section and passing more standing stones you'll reach Sannox Bay before heading into the village of Corrie.Â
Day 7
Corrie to Brodick
The grandstand finish of your walk around the island! Coming away from the coast to climb up GoatFell – the highest point of the island at 874m – beside Corrie Burn. This is a stunning granite ridge formed from the Highland Fault 500million years ago offering amazing views in all directions. Finish with a steady descent through Merkland Wood into Brodick.Â
 If the weather is particularly inclement or you don’t wish to go high, then there is also a lovely low level alternative path that passes through the Wood. Â
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Day 8
Departure
Arrangements end after breakfast. Enjoy a calm voyage back to the mainland!
8 nights' accommodation (small hotels, lodges, pubs, and B&Bs)
8 breakfasts
One piece of luggage per person transferred between accommodations, not exceeding 20kg
24-hour telephone assistance
Digital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notes
Travel to the start point and from the finish point
Travel insurance (required)
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Entrance fees and attractions
Personal equipment
Personal expenses, including laundry and phone calls
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Excess luggage charges
Single room or solo traveller supplements, where applicable
Guiding services – this is a self-guided holiday
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