Arran Coastal Way - Scotland

Arrive in Brodick, the main ferry port of Arran.

Settle into your accommodation and take a leisurely stroll along Brodick Beach to stretch your legs. Explore Brodick Castle and Gardens, a historic castle with beautiful gardens. If you arrive early enough then there is an option today to climb Goat Fell (6 hours). Alternatively, you can do this on the following day or at the end of your trip if the weather is better.

The name Brodick comes from the Norse ‘Breda- Vick’ Vic or Broad Bay, which is a nod to its Viking past and the bay forms the beautiful backdrop to Arran’s second-largest village. You could choose to visit Brodick Castle today, which is Arran’s most popular tourist attraction and a wonderful example of a medieval defensive castle. The castle belonged to the Dukes of Hamilton from 1503. Alternatively, spend the afternoon browsing through the village’s diverse shops and cafes and perhaps sample the local craft beers at the Arran brewery. If you need any outdoor gear there is a good shop in town on the Esplanade.

Overnight: Brodick

The start of the Arran coastal way is near the ferry terminal and follows the esplanade on the coast on the so-called Fisherman’s walk, which will take you onto the other side of the Bay and Brodick Castle. The path skirts around the estuary of Glen Rosa water before continuing on past the castle and heading inland. There is an opportunity to hike up Goat Fell (784m) if you’re up for a challenge in good weather and want to experience stunning panoramic views from the summit. The path diverges and you have a choice of taking the upland route over Goat Fell and down to Corrie or continuing on a lowland route, which will take you more directly to Corrie. This section of the Arran Coastal Way offers fantastic coastal views and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Arriving in the quaint village of Corrie your accommodation is the lovely Corrie Hotel. Look out for the nearby bookstore (‘The Wee Bookstore’), which specialises solely in outdoors and nature books; it’s well worth a visit. Enjoy the tranquil beach beer garden and perhaps dip your feet in the refreshing sea of the Firth of Clyde!

Overnight: Corrie 

Meals: B

Today’s walk sticks to the coast and visits an isolated northeast corner of the island far from the road and human habitation, so you can get a real sense of solitude. The first part of the day is quite straightforward as you follow along the coast to reach the village of Sannox. It’s a very enjoyable day’s walk and for most of the day the walking is at sea level on good paths. But as you round the northern tip of the island the terrain changes and there are rocky and boggy sections that are not as easy before you reach Lochranza. 

Lochranza is situated in a sheltered inlet with a spectacular ruined castle and it also has its own whiskey distillery and shop which is well worth a visit. 

Overnight: Lochranza 

Meals: B

From Lochranza you will follow a mainly coastal route often on the quiet coastal road which often has more cyclists than cars. The path gently climbs uphill through woodland providing glimpses of the rugged cliffs that characterise this part of Arran. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife that inhabits the coastal areas; you might spot seabirds gliding above or find seals basking on rocky outcrops. Approaching Catacol, with its row of white fisherman’s cottages, the landscape transforms, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the rugged beauty of the island’s western coastline. From here follow the coastal road which will take you south to Imachar, at times you have the option to diverge onto the nearby beaches for sections. Once you reach Imachar, catch the local bus to your accommodation in Blackwaterfoot.

Overnight: Blackwaterfoot

Meals: B, L

In the morning, return to Imachar to resume your walk. A wonderful and scenic day of walking continues along the West Coast of Arran, with some fantastic historical points of interest including the King’s Cave and the Machrie Moor standing stones, following the coastal road for the start of the day. There are great views of Kintyre across the water and the cliffs of Drumadoon Point as you walk Southwards. After crossing Iorsa water you’ll have the option to visit the first set of standing stones today at Auchencar and further on you’ll pass caves set into eroded sandstone before reaching Machrie. 

The diversion to the Standing Stones at Machrie Moor is a must, these are one of the outstanding attractions of Arran and some of the finest ancient monuments in Scotland: the Bronze Age stone circles here date to about 4000 years old and are positioned with commanding views of the surrounding landscapes. The ancient weathered pillars are made of red sandstone and granite. 

After returning to the road from Machrie Moor you follow the path to the King’s cave along a beautiful stretch of coastline and forest. The fabled King’s cave is where Robert the Bruce hid from English forces in 1307 and was supposedly inspired by watching a spider determinedly weave its web to try again with his rebellion. The cave also contains intriguing ancient rock carvings dating back to the Bronze Age. Again, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss and well worth the effort.

The trail continues towards the imposing cliffs of Drumadoon Point, which has an ancient fort on its summit. After rounding the point you continue along the beach to reach the hamlet of Blackwaterfoot and your accommodation at the hotel.

Overnight: Blackwaterfoot 

Meals: B, L

A shorter more relaxing day’s walk today skirting up and over the coastal hills to Lagg and its distillery then and the Lagg Hotel. You follow a coastal path for the morning section passing Caves which were used once as a church by the local congregation. The path rollercoasters by green hills before turning up and inland to meet the road at Sliddery. Afterwards you continue on an upward climb to pass the Distillery at Lagg, which is well worth a visit if nothing else for its café and wonderful views. A shorter day’s walk means you have time to take a distillery tour today if you choose to. Not long afterward the distillery you will drop down to the quaint little valley of the Lagg hotel, where you overnight.

Overnight: Lagg

Meals: B

From Lagg there is an opportunity to follow the coastal route at low tide or take the road at high tide ( or a bus!). The coastal walking is very rewarding but slow going and tough in places as you need to negotiate boulders and pebbles.  Today is a good day to see seals in particular as you pass a colony of Monk Seals at Bennan Head. You can choose to walk down from the road to the beach just after East Bennan and do a shorter section of Coastal walking ( tide dependent), it’s particularly beautiful as there a few waterfalls that plunge down from the hills to the coast. Continuing along the road you can divert for a short distance to reach the hotel at Kildonan, with views of the Island & lighthouse of Pladda with the dramatic Ailsa Crag. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a good Lunch. 

From Kildonan you have a choice of following the Coastal path at low tide or heading inland on the main route. The coastal path around Dippin head involves a lot of boulder fields so you should choose this route carefully with enough time around tides. The inland route climbs into forest and eventually you come to the Giant’s Graves, 5,000 year old chambered tombs. After the Giant’s Graves you come to the waterfall of Glenashdale Burn with it’s 45m drop. Look out for Red squirrels as you descend down the path to reach the town of Whiting Bay.  

Option to add a day for Holy Island 

You have an option to add an extra day to your trip for an excursion and walking on Holy Island. in the summer months to take the bus to the next village of Lamlash where a boat operates to Holy Island (Between April and end October). Holy Island was the home of a Celtic saint in the 6^th century, St Molaise, who lived as a hermit on the Island. Nowadays it is home to a Buddhist community and the centre for world peace and health, which runs retreats there. There is a wonderful, rugged walk on the Island, which climbs to the summit of Mullach Mor 314m (allow around 3 hours). There are also rare animal breeds on the Island, yet another reason to visit this fascinating Island.

Overnight: Whiting Bay or Lamlash 

Meals: B

On your final day, hike from Whiting Bay back to Brodick to complete the loop around the island. You follow an easy coastal path around Kingscross head (look out for the sign for the Viking fort and Grave mound) which gives great views of Holy Island and will eventually bring you to the town of Lamlash, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the cafes. The path then continues to Clauchlands Point, where there is an option to walk uphill on an inland route or continue on the main coastal way. The last sections of the path track towards Brodick Bay across open marshy terrain and finish to complete your walk and celebrate tonight in the town. 

Overnight: Brodick

Meals: B

Today you can choose to depart Brodick in the morning or instead end your time with a challenge and climb nearby Goat Fell if you missed the opportunity on the first day. In which case you’d depart on a late afternoon ferry for your onward arrangements. 

Meals: B

• 8 nights quality accommodation including welcoming B&Bs, guest houses and small hotels
• Daily breakfast to support your day on the trail
• Luggage transfers on each hiking day
• RAW Travel app to support on-trail navigation
• Pre-trip guidance from our experienced and dedicated RAW Travel team
• Arran Coastal Way guidebook
• Emergency back-up in the UK from our UK team member

• Single supplement $600
• Travel insurance
• Flights
• Lunch and dinners
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Train, ferry and/or bus tickets
• Incidental expenses