We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
■ Location: Scottish Islands
■ Duration: 5 nights
■ Board Basis: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Jun-Sep 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Choice of Walking Grades: 4 & 9 details
■ Carbon Footprint: 114kg CO2 details
Non-members From
£1,349
ppMembers From
£1,319
ppMembers Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
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
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
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.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.
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.
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: 8.5 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.
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.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. Check-out is at 10am.
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.
Weather conditions in the UK can vary throughout the day, and conditions in the mountains may be cold and windy even in summer. Use the following list as a guide when preparing for your holiday.
Essentials
Suitable waterproof walking boots with ankle support and good grip
Waterproof, wind-resistant jacket with a hood, taped seams and a hydrostatic head rating of at least 10,000 mm
Waterproof overtrousers
Spare warm clothing, such as a synthetic insulated jacket
Comfortable walking clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
Warm mid-layers, such as fleeces
Gloves and a warm hat, even in summer
Rucksack with a waterproof liner
Water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre
Flask for hot drinks
Sunscreen
UV-protective sunglasses
Spare high-energy food
Head torch and spare batteries for holidays between October and March
Passport (if applicable)
Visa (if applicable)
Copy of your travel insurance policy
Recommended
Several base layers, with long or short sleeves
Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
First-aid kit, including plasters, insect repellent, a midge net and a tick-removal tool
Sit mat
Waterproof pouch for valuables
Rubbish bags
Wallet or purse
Camera
Walking poles
Sun hat
Gaiters
Mobile Phones
Swimwear (please see accommodation information for hotel facilities)
Membership cards for English Heritage, the National Trust or similar heritage organisations in Scotland and Wales, if you are a member. These may be useful when visiting attractions during your itinerary or on your free day.
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.
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 moreCode: XAH05-BTB11
Dates & availability
Isle of Arran Guided Walking
5 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,349
ppMembers
£1,319
pp5 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,349
ppMembers
£1,319
pp5 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,349
ppMembers
£1,319
pp
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.
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.
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).
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
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
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
© 2026 HF Holidays Limited. Registered in England, number 5713R. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All Rights Reserved.
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