We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more

Isle of Arran Guided Walking

2027 dates available Early Booking Offer

Location: Scottish Islands

Duration: 5 nights

Board Type: Full Board

Travel Dates: Jun-Sep 2027

Itineraries available: 1

Walking Grades: 4 & 9 details

Carbon Footprint: 114kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,299

pp

Members From

£1,269

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Often described as ‘Scotland in miniature’, the Isle of Arran is an enchanting landscape of majestic mountains and incredible coastline scattered with relics and ruins from its rich past. Our walks cover the full range of scenery and take in plenty of landmarks along the way. This includes the 13th century Brodick Castle, Machrie Moor’s ancient standing stones, the Neolithic tombs known as the Giant's Graves, plus the chance to conquer Goatfell, Arran’s highest peak. You’ll also stay at the Kinloch Hotel, a cosy sea-facing spot for savouring delicious local cuisine, sampling beer and whisky from Arran’s very own brewery and distilleries and relaxing in the hotel’s spa.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
Located in Blackwaterfoot on Arran's tranquil western side, the 3-star Kinloch Hotel has been run by the Crawford family since 1954. With an enviable seafront setting, it puts some of the island’s best beaches and coastal paths within walking distance. Rooms all come with en-suite bathrooms, hairdryer, free tea and coffee making facilities, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and local Arran Aromatics toiletries. When it’s time to refuel, the restaurant features local produce, including Kilbrannan Sound seafood and Arran Dairies ice cream. Guests can also make use of an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, and snooker room. Public bus stops are located outside the hotel, and free onsite car parking is also available, with access to electric car charging points.
9T9A7726-Edit.jpg

Walking grades

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Gentle walking grade 4

Gentle walking grade 4

The most active Gentle grade, with longer walks, some ascent, and possible steps, stiles, or off-path uneven ground. Typically, 6-7 miles (10-12km) with around 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.
Challenging walking grade 9

Challenging walking grade 9

Demanding full day walks with greater distance, ascent, and fewer stops. Best for very fit walkers. Typically, 13-14 miles (21-23km) with around 2,750ft (840m) of ascent.

What You’ll Love

  • Climbing some of Arran’s spectacular mountains
  • Spotting Scotland’s Big 5 - golden eagle, red deer, seals, otter and red squirrel
  • Visiting the 4000-year-old Machrie Moor standing stones
  • Conquering Goatfell, the highest point on the island
  • Making use of the hotel’s excellent spa facilities
  • The choice of two walks a day – one easier and one more challenging

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s) 
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
  • Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader 
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary 

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy8xkqpnksn4yt4x80f4bgh
    [title] => Arrival Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

You’re welcome to check in at the Kinloch Hotel from 2pm on the day of arrival. Your HF Holidays Leaders will be on hand from 6:30pm to give you a warm welcome and quick introduction to the days ahead before dinner. 

[S] => 1 [E] => 1 [B] => [L] => [D] => [content] => Array ( ) [shared] => Array ( [content] => Array ( ) ) )

You’re welcome to check in at the Kinloch Hotel from 2pm on the day of arrival. Your HF Holidays Leaders will be on hand from 6:30pm to give you a warm welcome and quick introduction to the days ahead before dinner. 

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy8xkwap8qhp0xzzxb25z7g
    [title] => KING'S CAVE OR BEINN A' CHLIABHAIN
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
    [S] => 2
    [E] => 2
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => Array
        (
            [content] => Array
                (
                    [0] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Cnoc Breac and Beinn A' Chliabhain from Glen Rosa
                            [content] => 

Distance: 8.5 miles (14km) 

Ascent: 2300 feet (700m) 

After a gentle ascent into the delightful Glen Rosa, we’ll climb steeply beside the Garbh Allt burn on a well-built path and then on open hillside towards Cnoc Breac. Continuing north there’ll be some easy scrambling onto the rocky summit of Beinn A' Chliabhain where, in fine weather, we are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. We’ll return via our outward route. 

) [1] => Array ( [title] => Machrie Moor and King’s Cave [content] =>

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km) 

Ascent: 400 feet (120m) 

This is a fabulous walk on the west coast, visiting the 4000-year-old Machrie Moor standing stones with its Bronze Age burial cairn and Robert the Bruce’s famous King’s Cave – the spot where the Scottish hero was supposedly inspired to continue his struggle for independence after an encounter with a spider. We’ll return via the spectacular basalt cliffs of Drumadoon and along the shore to Blackwaterfoot.

) ) ) )
Option 1 - Machrie Moor and King’s Cave

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km) 

Ascent: 400 feet (120m) 

This is a fabulous walk on the west coast, visiting the 4000-year-old Machrie Moor standing stones with its Bronze Age burial cairn and Robert the Bruce’s famous King’s Cave – the spot where the Scottish hero was supposedly inspired to continue his struggle for independence after an encounter with a spider. We’ll return via the spectacular basalt cliffs of Drumadoon and along the shore to Blackwaterfoot.

Option 2 - Cnoc Breac and Beinn A' Chliabhain from Glen Rosa

Distance: 8.5 miles (14km) 

Ascent: 2300 feet (700m) 

After a gentle ascent into the delightful Glen Rosa, we’ll climb steeply beside the Garbh Allt burn on a well-built path and then on open hillside towards Cnoc Breac. Continuing north there’ll be some easy scrambling onto the rocky summit of Beinn A' Chliabhain where, in fine weather, we are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. We’ll return via our outward route. 

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy8xm03afm8vwdtyxqynef8
    [title] => GLEN ROSA OR MULLACH BUIDH
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
    [S] => 3
    [E] => 3
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => Array
        (
            [content] => Array
                (
                    [0] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Glen Rosa and Brodick Castle
                            [content] => 

Distance: 6 miles (10km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (210m) 

This wonderful walk in Glen Rosa takes us into the heart of Arran’s mountains and peaks, providing a good chance of spotting red deer herds. We’ll continue to the impressive Brodick Castle where there’s free time to explore its beautiful gardens before making our way back to Brodick to catch the bus.  

) [1] => Array ( [title] => Mullach Buidh Circuit from Pirnmill [content] =>

Distance: 9.5 miles (15km) 

Ascent: 3100 feet (955m) 

Our longer option offers the opportunity to climb the little visited west coast mountains of Beinn Bharrain, Mullach Buidhe and Beinn Bhreac. We’ll start at Pirnmill, climbing gently through birch and oak woodland before making our way across an area of rough moorland, boggy in places, to ascend the northwest ridge of Beinn Bharrain. We’ll be rewarded with spectacular views as we traverse the high tops before making our descent over some rough ground to Coire Fhionn Lochan and down to Thundergay and Pirnmill. 

) ) ) )
Option 1 - Glen Rosa and Brodick Castle

Distance: 6 miles (10km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (210m) 

This wonderful walk in Glen Rosa takes us into the heart of Arran’s mountains and peaks, providing a good chance of spotting red deer herds. We’ll continue to the impressive Brodick Castle where there’s free time to explore its beautiful gardens before making our way back to Brodick to catch the bus.  

Option 2 - Mullach Buidh Circuit from Pirnmill

Distance: 9.5 miles (15km) 

Ascent: 3100 feet (955m) 

Our longer option offers the opportunity to climb the little visited west coast mountains of Beinn Bharrain, Mullach Buidhe and Beinn Bhreac. We’ll start at Pirnmill, climbing gently through birch and oak woodland before making our way across an area of rough moorland, boggy in places, to ascend the northwest ridge of Beinn Bharrain. We’ll be rewarded with spectacular views as we traverse the high tops before making our descent over some rough ground to Coire Fhionn Lochan and down to Thundergay and Pirnmill. 

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy8xma370dz43gfd4xzpeyd
    [title] => GLENASHDALE FALLS OR COCK OF ARRAN
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
    [S] => 4
    [E] => 4
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => Array
        (
            [content] => Array
                (
                    [0] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Whiting Bay to Kildonan via Glenashdale Falls
                            [content] => 

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (220m) 

Departing from Whiting Bay, we’ll head inland and ascend to the impressive Glenashdale Falls and on to the two Neolithic chambered tombs known as the Giants’ Graves. Continuing south along the inland route of the Arran Coastal Way, we’ll enjoy extensive views over southwest Scotland. Finally, we’ll descend to Kildonan for the final part of our walk along the coast which, hopefully, will offer some good views of seals.

 

) [1] => Array ( [title] => Cock of Arran [content] =>

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 300 feet (90m)

Today's coastal walk starts in the lower reaches of Glen Sannox (the name meaning 'sandy bay' in old Norse). Keep a look out for seals, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, minke whales which all inhabit these waters. Birders should bring their binoculars to help spot various sea birds, including cormorants, black guillemot and diving gannets, and the chance to see golden eagles and peregrine falcons.


We will pass by Ossian's Cave and the Cock of Arran; a large block of sandstone resting on the beach; although its upper part has been broken off, originally, when seen from the sea, the block resembled a crowing cockerel. The route continues along the coast towards Newton Point then comes to the shores of Loch Ranza, finishing at Lochranza Distillery. Please note that some sections of the walk are on rocky path and care should be taken over boulders which can be slippery when wet.

) ) ) )
Option 1 - Whiting Bay to Kildonan via Glenashdale Falls

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (220m) 

Departing from Whiting Bay, we’ll head inland and ascend to the impressive Glenashdale Falls and on to the two Neolithic chambered tombs known as the Giants’ Graves. Continuing south along the inland route of the Arran Coastal Way, we’ll enjoy extensive views over southwest Scotland. Finally, we’ll descend to Kildonan for the final part of our walk along the coast which, hopefully, will offer some good views of seals.

 

Option 2 - Cock of Arran

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 300 feet (90m)

Today's coastal walk starts in the lower reaches of Glen Sannox (the name meaning 'sandy bay' in old Norse). Keep a look out for seals, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, minke whales which all inhabit these waters. Birders should bring their binoculars to help spot various sea birds, including cormorants, black guillemot and diving gannets, and the chance to see golden eagles and peregrine falcons.


We will pass by Ossian's Cave and the Cock of Arran; a large block of sandstone resting on the beach; although its upper part has been broken off, originally, when seen from the sea, the block resembled a crowing cockerel. The route continues along the coast towards Newton Point then comes to the shores of Loch Ranza, finishing at Lochranza Distillery. Please note that some sections of the walk are on rocky path and care should be taken over boulders which can be slippery when wet.

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy8xmfgdr0kmger2ey2j1ys
    [title] => CLAUCHLAND HILLS AND FAIRY GLEN OR GOATFELL
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
    [S] => 5
    [E] => 5
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => Array
        (
            [content] => Array
                (
                    [0] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Lamlash to Brodick via the Clauchland Hills and Fairy Glen
                            [content] => 

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 900 feet (270m) 

Starting in Lamlash at the Highland Clearances Memorial, we’ll walk along the coast to Clauchlands Point before turning inland to climb to the Iron Age hill fort of Dun Fionn and on over the Clauchland Hills. We’ll descend towards Brodick down the delightful Fairy Glen before finishing off on the Fisherman’s Walk to the grounds of Brodick Castle. 

) [1] => Array ( [title] => Goatfell from Corrie [content] =>

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 2920 feet (890m) 

For our final day, this walk allows us to tackle Goatfell, Arran’s highest peak. We’ll start at Corrieburn Bridge and ascend via Coire Lan on a good path towards North Goatfell. A final scramble will put us on the summit of Goatfell itself for superb views across the island and to the neighbouring Inner Hebrides. We’ll descend south on a well-built path, eventually finishing in the woodland near Brodick Castle. 

) ) ) )
Option 1 - Lamlash to Brodick via the Clauchland Hills and Fairy Glen

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 900 feet (270m) 

Starting in Lamlash at the Highland Clearances Memorial, we’ll walk along the coast to Clauchlands Point before turning inland to climb to the Iron Age hill fort of Dun Fionn and on over the Clauchland Hills. We’ll descend towards Brodick down the delightful Fairy Glen before finishing off on the Fisherman’s Walk to the grounds of Brodick Castle. 

Option 2 - Goatfell from Corrie

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 2920 feet (890m) 

For our final day, this walk allows us to tackle Goatfell, Arran’s highest peak. We’ll start at Corrieburn Bridge and ascend via Coire Lan on a good path towards North Goatfell. A final scramble will put us on the summit of Goatfell itself for superb views across the island and to the neighbouring Inner Hebrides. We’ll descend south on a well-built path, eventually finishing in the woodland near Brodick Castle. 

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy8xmnp9btyeb69xwfq49jf
    [title] => Departure Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. Check-out is at 10am. 

[S] => 6 [E] => 6 [B] => [L] => [D] => [content] => Array ( ) [shared] => Array ( [content] => Array ( ) ) )

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. Check-out is at 10am. 

Accommodation

Kinloch Hotel

Located in Blackwaterfoot on Arran's tranquil western side, the 3-star Kinloch Hotel has been run by the Crawford family since 1954. With an enviable seafront setting, it puts some of the island’s best beaches and coastal paths within walking distance. Rooms all come with en-suite bathrooms, hairdryer, free tea and coffee making facilities, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and local Arran Aromatics toiletries. When it’s time to refuel, the restaurant features local produce, including Kilbrannan Sound seafood and Arran Dairies ice cream. Guests can also make use of an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, and snooker room. Public bus stops are located outside the hotel, and free onsite car parking is also available, with access to electric car charging points.

More Information

 

Address 

Kinloch Hotel 

Blackwaterfoot 

Isle of Arran 

KA27 8ET 

Tel: 01770 860 444 

Email: reservations@kinlocharran.co.uk 

 

Please note the holiday start location is Kinloch Hotel. You will need to make independent travel arrangements, including ferry bookings to get to/from the hotel.  

 

Getting to Arran: 

By Ferry: 

Please visit the Caledonian MacBrayne website for up-to-date ferry timetables and booking your ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance of travel, even if you are a foot passenger. Regular ferry services (taking less than 1 hour) are available from Ardrossan to Brodick. The ferry terminal is a short walk from the train station. You can also get ferries to Arran from Troon and Claonaig.  

By Train: 

Trains operate frequently from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan (55mins) and are timed to connect with the ferry services. 

By Air: 

There are a number of low-cost flights from around the UK, to Glasgow International or Glasgow Prestwick airports. If arriving from overseas, Glasgow International will be your inbound airport. From here, take the regular airport bus to Glasgow Central station (journey time 30 minutes), and connect with the train and ferry services described above.  

 

From Brodick to Blackwaterfoot: 

By Bus:  

Catch the 322 bus from Brodick Ferry Terminal to Blackwater Ferry Cottage. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. For up-to-date timetables, please visit the Stagecoach website 

By Taxi: 

The 12 mile journey from Brodick Ferry Terminal to Kinloch Hotel takes approximately 25 minutes by taxi. 

 

You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, A.R.C Private Hire. The 2024 guide price for a taxi is around £30. Please pre-book your taxi in advance by contacting:  

Tel: +44 (0) 7776082752 

*A.R.C private Hire is not owned or managed by HF Holidays. 

 

By Car:  

From Brodick pier turn right to B880 to Blackwaterfoot. From Lochranza pier turn right on to A841 Blackwaterfoot. 

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Carbon Footprint - 114kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: XAH05-BTB11

Share

Dates & availability

Isle of Arran Guided Walking

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. Read more about membership

2027

Save £50 Per Person

13 Jun - 18 Jun 2027

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,349 £1,299

pp

Members

£1,319 £1,269

pp
Single rooms

Save £50 Per Person

4 Jul - 9 Jul 2027

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,349 £1,299

pp

Members

£1,319 £1,269

pp
Single rooms

Save £50 Per Person

5 Sep - 10 Sep 2027

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,349 £1,299

pp

Members

£1,319 £1,269

pp
Single rooms
Image

Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

Image

Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

Image

Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).

Image

Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

Your Wishlist

Start your next adventure.

Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday to your wishlist.