Arran Coastal Way

Start: Brodick, Isle of Arran
Grid Ref: NS 02317 35899
End: Brodick, Isle of Arran (circular route)
Distance: 105 km
Walking Time: 8 days
Counties Traversed: Ayrshire
OS Explorer™ Maps: 361

The Arran Coastal Way is one of Scotland's Great Trails. Famous as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, Arran is rich in geology, scenery, castles, and caves. The walking is varied, from mountain paths to deserted beaches, from minor road walking to boulder hopping, and in places is refreshingly rugged. Arran’s wildlife is uniquely approachable, and its residents welcoming.

The circular route begins from its marker beside the ferry terminal at Brodick, walking in an anticlockwise direction around the island. The guidebook recommends an eight-day itinerary, the stages being as follows:

Brodick to Sannox – 12.6 km
Sannox to Lochranza – 15.7 km
Lochranza to Imachar – 14.3 km
Imachar to Blackwaterfoot – 16.1 km
Blackwaterfoot to Lagg – 10.7 km
Lagg to Whiting Bay – 18.3 km
Whiting Bay to Brodick – 17.5 km

The best months to undertake walking the Arran Coastal Way are May and June in springtime, or September and October in the autumn. These are the dryest months, although weather can be changeable at any time of year.

Accommodation is available at all the section end points providing it is booked in advance. The guidebook has information on finding accommodation. Local bus services are available which allow some sections to be walked using public transport from Brodick or Whiting Bay to and from section start and end points.

The ‘Rucksack Readers’ guidebook includes full colour mapping showing the route at 1:55,000 scale
Background on geology, prehistory, and history
Travel and public transport information
Whisky-making, wildlife, and habitats
Detailed description of the route walked anticlockwise.
Lavishly illustrated, with 125 colour photographs.
Tto purchase a copy of the guidebook click the book image or Click here