Arran Coastal Way

Arrive in Brodick and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the nearby sights.

On the first stage of the Arran Coastal Way there are two options; a low/coastal route and a high route which takes in Goatfell - the island's highest peak (874 m). The low route option follows the coastal road north out of town, while the inland route heads up the slopes of Goatfell.

If you are feeling energetic, we recommend the inland route as the views from the summit of Goatfell are superb in clear weather. Just remember not to underestimate the climb - you are beginning almost from sea level! From the summit, it's a gentle descent largely through trees to reach the idyllic village of Corrie.

The low route avoids the long ascent up Goatfell, Arran's highest mountain, a good option if the weather isn't favourable or if you'd prefer an easier day to begin the coastal way. The low route passes a sandy beach at the north end of Brodick Bay, skirts Brodick castle, before following forest tracks to reach the village of Corrie.

Tonight you will stay in either Lochranza or Corrie. If you stay in Lochranza you will walk to Corrie and then be transferred from Corrie to Lochranza and transferred back to Corrie the next day.

Low Route - 11 km (7 miles); Ascent: 200m (656ft) / Descent: 199m (653ft)

High Route - 13 km (8 miles); Ascent: 876m (2,874ft) / Descent: 876m (2,874ft)

A real highlight of the coastal way as you follow a remote section of Arran's coast past deserted beaches giving views across the water to the Isle of Bute. After passing Fallen Rocks and the abandoned white cottage at Laggan the route becomes rocky and boggy in places before passing the Cock of Arran. Finally, leading to an easier section of path and road as you approach the spectacularly located Lochranza with its rugged mountains and photogenic views across the water to the castle dating back to the 13th century. If you want to end your day in style with a dram of Whisky, a quick stop at the local, Lochranza distillery is a must!

Because of a lack of accommodation in Lochranza, you may spend the night in Corrie. Included transfers will be arranged for you.

Ascent: 28m (92ft) / Descent: 21m (69ft)

Leaving Lochranza, you pick up the old postie's footpath as it weaves through birchwood’s high above the coastal road. After dropping down to the hamlet of Catacol, follow a quiet coastal road with impressive views of the Kintyre Peninsula, the roads are very quiet. Look out for the lighthouse in Pirnmill (closed Mondays) serving great food and coffee. You have the option of finishing your day in Imachar or Machrie, using the reliable local bus service to reach your base for the night, Blackwaterfoot.

Ascent: 83m (272ft)/ Descent: 74m (243ft)

For this section of the route you can either take the bus back to Machrie and walk to Lagg from there, or walk directly to Lagg. If your legs are up to it, we would recommend walking from Machrie, as this section passes the King's Cave and is a real highlight!

If you are walking from Machrie you will walk a section laden with history spanning a rather long period of time on your way to Blackwaterfoot. Firstly you can take a short detour for ~3.5 km from Machrie up to see the standing tones on Machrie Moor, a very worthwhile diversion. When back on the route the 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 journey 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.

The section between Blackwaterfoot and Lagg has some of the most difficult terrain on the whole trip and should be walked with care. The trail follows the shore to pass Preaching Cave over rocky and boggy ground before climbing up to the road and from here on it's undulating tarmac road walking with good views to Ailsa Craig, then pass the Lagg Distillery before arriving at the Lagg Hotel, one of the oldest on the island.

The Lagg Hotel has very limited availability. If we are unable to reserve a room, you will be booked into accoommodation in Blackwaterfoot with transfers included.

Ascent: 225m (738 ft) / Descent: 215m (705ft)

Again this section of the Arran Coastal Way is rather difficult going, as you cross several boulder fields and in the summer months the path can become overgrown. You can choose between the more challenging low route option or a slightly longer, but easier high route option.

The low route option is one of the most challenging on the Arran Coastal Way. It involves tricky scrambling over boulders to round the headlands of both Bennan Head and Dippen Head - do not underestimate the time these sections take to complete. Bennan Head is not passable at high tide and even Dippen Head can become tricky at this time so make sure you check the tide times before setting off. Either or both of headlands can be avoided by taking the alternative inland route before you reach Bennan Head.

For those wishing to avoid the difficulties of tide times and the boulder fields there is a high route alternative. This variation on the route is longer and more undulating than the lower route and heads inland on reaching Bennan Head. The final part of the route goes through forest and descends passing Glenashdale Falls on it's way into Whiting Bay.

Low Route - 16 km (10 miles); Ascent: 33m (109ft) / Descent: 32m (105ft)

High Route - 20 km (12 miles); Ascent: 369m (1,211ft) / Descen: 398m (1,306ft)

On this final stage on the Arran Coastal Way between Whiting Bay and Brodick you can choose to hug the coast following the low route or take the higher route.

The high route takes you up passed Glenashadale Falls and through shady forest on higher ground with great views towards Lamlash where you join the lower route to follow shoreline around Clauchlands Point to reach Brodick and the end of the Way.

The low route keeps to the coastline as much as possible and follows paths and quiet country roads. You will pass Kingscross Point and it's viking burial ground with views over to Holy Isle. You follow the coastal boardwalks to Lamlash Bay with it's "No Take Zone" marine conservation area. On rounding Clauchlands Point you'll soon see Goatfell, Arran's highest hill, rearing it's head as you walk towards the end point of the trail in Brodick.

See below for option to upgrade to Auchrannie Resort and Spa for final night.

Low Route - 18 km (11 miles); Ascent: 152m (499ft) / Descent: 156m (513ft)

High Route - 16 km (10 miles); Ascent: 33m (108ft)/ Descent: 32m (105ft)

After breakfast your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.