Arran Coastal Way Map and Itinerary

Section 1: Brodick to Sannox – 8 miles – 13 km

The start of your walk and you have two options. The coastal option follows the road north out of town while the inland route heads up the slopes of Goatfell. If you are feeling energetic I would recommend the inland route as the views are superb.

Section 2: Sannox to Lochranza – 9 miles – 15 km

This is one of the loveliest sections of the walk although the final section round the Cock of Arran does involve some scrambling over boulders which can be tricky after a long day. Lochranza is a beautiful sleepy village and you will often see deer coming into the village in the evening.

Section 3: Lochranza to Machrie – 14 miles – 22 km

You follow the coastal road for most of this section. But don’t worry the roads are very quiet and the scenery is spectacular. Look out for the Lighthouse in Pirnmill which does fantastic food and coffee. If you are finishing the stage in Machrie you will have to catch a local bus to Blackwaterfoot.

Section 4: Machrie to Blackwaterfoot – 4 miles – 6 km

This section of the walk is laden with history spanning a rather long period of time.  Firstly there is a short detour of a couple of miles from Machrie that will take you up to see the Standing Stones on Machrie Moor, a very worthwhile diversion.  When back on the route proper your next era of history is a little more modern with the spectacular Kings Cave where Robert the Bruce is reported to have stayed on his journeys to Ireland.  You are then thrown back in time with Triassic dinosaur footprints and 60 million year old cliffs before coming to 2000 year old Doon Fort and then walking down into Blackwaterfoot for your nights rest.   

Section 5: Blackwaterfoot to Lagg – 8 miles – 12 km

Todays walk has some of the more difficult terrain on the whole trip and should be walked with caution.  Leaving Lagg with some great views over Drumadoon Bay the path starts to become slightly more trecherous with boulder hopping and some overgrown sections of walking.  Halfway through the day the volcanic plug that is the iconic Ailsa Craig comes into view and is your companion until you reach the comfort and hospitality of the Lagg Hotel. 

Section 6: Lagg to Whiting Bay  – 10 miles – 16 km

Again this section of the Arran Coastal Way is rather difficult going, meaning that you have to cross several rock falls and at certain times of year the path becomes overgrown and difficult to navigate. We have devised an alternative route from Torrylinn Creamery in Kilmory up through forrestry paths and down into Whiting Bay which may appeal after the walking the day before. There are still glorious views of the Ailsa Craig, but the walking is much more pleasant. Either path brings you into Whiting Bay which is one of the larger settlements on the island with a good choice of shops and restaurants for dinner.

Section 7: Whiting Bay to Brodick – 14 miles – 22 km

There are many highlights on this last section of the walk.  Firstly upon departing from Whiting Bay you can climb up to see the Giant's Graves, neolithic graves which pre-date the Egyptian Pyramids.  Also along this side trip you can rest for a while and view the glorious Glenashdale Falls.  After this diversion a quick walk through an iron age fort brings you onto a pleasant path to Lamlash.  This is the final section of your circumnavigation and you are rewarded with some fantastic views of the north Arran hills. There has been some development on this section of the trail recently so please follow the way marking as appropriate.

The Arran Coastal Way is a fantastic achievement and an experience we are sure you will treasure forever.

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