Isle of Arran Guided Walking

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.

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 1600 feet (490m) 

The walk through the glaciated valleys of Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa cuts through the heart of the Arran mountains and passes below their impressive cliffs. We’ll pass the old Barytes mine in Glen Sannox and continue on a good path through the glen to scramble steeply up to The Saddle, the col between the glens. The descent, which tends to be rough and boggy at first, picks up Glenrosa Water almost at its source and then follows the river down the lovely Glen Rosa. 

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. 

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.