Walking Around the Secluded Isle of Arran Coastline
Only 12 miles from the mainland across the Firth of the Clyde, within easy reach of Glasgow, a Walking Holiday on the Arran Coastal Way is a world away from the busy Scottish mainland.
Highlights
Brodick Castle, Britains only island country park
Take a sample at some of the islands famous whisky distilleries, Lochranza being the most famous
The island are shores are packed with wildlife, including seals, otter and deer
Take a trip out to The Holy Isle - a Tibetan Buddhist retreat
Lochranza Castle
Discover the bronze age remnants of Machrie Moor Stone Circles
Option of scaling Goat Fell, the highest point on the isle
The Isle of Arran is sheltered on the western side by the Mull of Kintyre across Kilbrannan Sound and the long Ayrshire coast stretching south across the Firth of Clyde on its eastern shores. The warming effects of the Gulf Stream secures an above average mainland temperatures - palm trees, Mediterranean plants are a common fixture of the island.
Walking the Arran Coastal Way is often likened to walking around a miniature model of Scotland, although this description neglects the islands strong character. Approximately 20 miles long by 10 miles across, Arran has unique contrasting landscapes in its compact area. Our route follows the rugged mountains and green hills in the north (reminiscent of Higland Glens), to the farmlands and wild forests, streams and waterfalls of the gentle Borders in the south, encircled by rugged shorelines cliffs and beaches.
Taking the ferry across from the mainland to Arran's capital, Brodick, this is truly one of the more remote and peaceful of the coastal walking holidays in UK territory. There is the opportunity to walk inland to ascend Arran’s highest point, Goatfell – in fine weather this challenging but enjoyable walk to the summit rewards you with stunning views of Ayrshire, the Mull of Kintyre and Ireland.
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.
Path Walkthrough
Our Isle of Arran holidays take you on a circular route around the island, starting in Brodick
The shallow coastal outline of the island has created ideal conditions for a round island coastal walk. The geology of the isle has often attracted climbers to the North side of the islands more dramatic steep ridges, our walk skirts around the edges - notwithstanding some more challenging sections, particularly the route from Lagg to Whiting Bay.
Recent drives to renovate and maintain the path have created easier ways to navigate what is quintessential rugged coastal walking, i.e the An Scriodan boulder field now has a stepped path - so it is now passable in all tides and weather. It is generally the case that where the more untamed sections of the path are lost to the tide, there will be an inland route to compensate.
Walk Gallery
Our Isle of Arran Walking Itineraries
Prices are per person, based on 2 people sharing, single person supplements apply.
Brodick to Brodick
Length: 64.5 miles/ 103.5 km | Difficulty: Moderate
Solo walker supplement: £35 (pn) Single occupancy (groups): £30 (pn)
Day
Location
Distance
Day 1:
Arrive Brodick
Day 2:
Brodick to Sannox
8 miles/13km
Day 3:
Sannox to Lochranza
9 miles/14.5km
Day 4:
Lochranza to Machrie
14 miles/22.5km
Day 5:
Machrie to Lagg
11.5 miles/18.5km
Day 6:
Lagg to Whiting Bay
8.5 miles/13.5km
Day 7:
Whiting Bay to Brodick
12 miles/19km
Day 8:
Depart Brodick
Itinerary Information: 7 nights accommodation with 6 walking days. Arrive in Brodick on day 1, walk from day 2 and depart from Brodick on morning of day 8.
Departure Dates: This itinerary can be walked any time between Mar to Oct. You simply choose which day you would like your holiday to start on.
Rest Days: Should you wish, rest days can be taken at stops along the route, view details.
Solo walker supplement: £35 (pn) Single occupancy (groups): £30 (pn)
Day
Location
Distance
Day 1:
Arrive Brodick
Day 2:
Brodick to Sannox
8 miles/13km
Day 3:
Sannox to Lochranza
9 miles/14.5km
Day 4:
Lochranza to Imachar
9 miles/14.5km
Day 5:
Imachar to Blackwaterfoot
9 miles/22.5km
Day 6:
Blackwaterfoot to Lagg
7.5 miles/18.5km
Day 7:
Lagg to Whiting Bay
8.5 miles/13.5km
Day 8:
Whiting Bay to Brodick
12 miles/19km
Day 9:
Depart Brodick
Itinerary Information: 8 nights accommodation with 7 walking days. Arrive in Brodick on day 1, walk from day 2 and depart from Brodick on morning of day 9.
Departure Dates: This itinerary can be walked any time between Mar to Oct. You simply choose which day you would like your holiday to start on.
Rest Days: Should you wish, rest days can be taken at stops along the route, view details.
Please note that it may be necessary to stay at some locations for 2 nights. This is due to accommodations only accepting 2 night bookings at busy times or where there is no accommodation in remote areas. In such cases, transfers between the path and your accommodation will be included in your holiday cost.
Single occupancy supplement within a group: £30 per night. Where singles are walking as part of a larger group and are willing to share a Walk Pack, single room occupancy supplements apply.
Rest days: From £50 per person per night.
Postage overseas: £5.00 (Europe), £10.00 (Rest of the World) per walk pack
Bank holidays & short notice bookings may incur extra charges.
Please note that it may be necessary to stay at some locations for 2 nights. This is due to accommodations only accepting 2 night bookings at busy times or where there is no accommodation in remote areas. In such cases, transfers between the path and your accommodation will be included in your holiday cost.
As a general rule we would advise against walking in Scotland through November to February, these are typically the months with harsh weather and scant daylight hours.
The Isle of Arran benefits from some of the less extreme instances of bad weather Scotland can throw at you. However, rain is always a possibility if not a likelihood while walking the island and it is always worth making suitable precautions for your trip.
Client Reviews Of Our Isle of Arran Coastal Way
Our past clients rated this walk 4.9 out of 5; read a selection of 7 reviews below.
The best thing about this walk, as well as the scenery and the company, was knowing Celtic Trails were behind us. We are now considering the Llyn Coastal Path.
4.3 out of 5
T June 2018
We had a brilliant time with marvellous views, beautiful plants and flowers and fascinating birds and animals. Arran is a truly wonderful place. It was perfect for celebrating our Golden Wedding. Celtic Trails' information and materials are clearly presented. Our requirements were attended to an any questions arising were answered promptly.
5 out of 5
Anon. July 2019
Most enjoyed walking along the coast and through rural landscapes.
Celtic Trails were supportive, responded quickly to questions and all went smoothly.
5 out of 5
D. Sturdy May 2019
"Isle of Arran was really special - fine walks (including some challenging walking). The accommodation was very comfortable. What made it for me though was the friendliness of everyone I met."
4.7 out of 5
Martin May 2018
The Isle of Arran was really special - fine walking (including some challenging walking). The accommodation was very comfortable. What made if for me, though, was the friendliness of everyone I met.
5 out of 5
R. Martin May 2018
The best thing about this walk was the scenery, good weather, hospitable hosts, good food and whisky!
5 out of 5
D. Smith May 2018
"Thanks for all your help. We had a great trip!"
5 out of 5
Van Horn July 2015
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