History and Wildlife on the Isle of Arran Coastal Way
Our walks on Arran incorporate visits to the islands charming coastal villages with their white stone cottages and ancient Celtic and Norse names; Lagg, Sannox, Kildonan and Corrie. Explore the ruins of Kildonan and Lochranza Castles; venture to the King's Cave, where according to legend, Robert the Bruce regained his resolve following defeat by the English by watching a spider battle the elements. Look for Pictish carvings on the cave walls.
There have been settlements on Arran since 4,000 BC and the countryside is filled with prehistoric burial mounds, circles, ring forts and one of Scotland's best examples of Bronze Age standing stones at scenic Machrie Moor.
Arran's natural island protection makes it's wildlife a special delight of the walking holiday. The northern mountains are natural home of the red deer. Raise your eyes from your path and you may rewarded with a majestic golden eagle, gliding hen-harrier, or amongst the heather bring up a fluttering grouse or curlew. Seals can be seen basking off shore, and the coastal inlets and cliffs are home to a vast array of sea birds.
At the end of your walk visit Brodick Castle, stroll around its magnificent gardens, or return to Lochranza to sample the delights of the Isle of Arran distillery.