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Gemini Walks, Walking at its best

The Arran Coastal Way

Distance : 65 miles (105 km)
Grade : Moderate to Challenging
Navigation : Easy (partly waymarked)
Availability : April to September

The Arran Coastal Way, opened by Cameron McNeish in March 2003, is a magnificent island walk.

Often described as Scotland in Miniature, the Isle of Arran provides an opportunity to experience abundant archaeology, history and wildlife on this 65 mile (105 km) route.

View across Whiting Bay to Holy Island on the Arran Coastal Way

This spectacular walk combines many varied habitats, a fascinating mixture of seaside paths, tidal beaches, forest trails and rolling hills. The paths are all well walked and should be easily completed by the average walker. However, it needs to be stressed that many parts of the Coastal Way are simple, basic paths that can be muddy or boulder strewn and which will, on occasion, require clambering over rocks. Although mostly at low level, you do have an optional climb to the top of Goat Fell, the island's highest mountain (breathtaking views on a fine day).

Arran Coastal Way, footprints in the sand on the beach near Lagg

All around the island there are spectacular views including a superb vista on the south of the island to the famous Ailsa Craig bird sanctuary.

Although the Arran Coastal Way is only a short ferry trip across the Firth of Clyde, you feel that you are entering a different world!


Suggested Itinerary (7 days walking/8 overnight stays)

Day 1 Arrive Isle of Arran With good public transport links to Ardrossan, and a short ferry trip, arrive into Brodick, the Island's capital.
Day 2 Brodick to Sannox (8 miles/13km) The choice of a hill climb over the shoulder of Goat Fell (optional trek to the top) with spectacular views or take the lower alternative on main road & cycle track.
Day 3 Sannox to Lochranza (9 miles/14.5 km) Many points of interest on this lovely day along the coast comprising of a mixture of path and beach walking with some manageable and fun boulder hopping.
Day 4 Lochranza to Imachar (9 miles/14.5 km) Mainly road walking but with fine views and light traffic with a finish of two miles of great beach walking.
Day 5 Imachar to Blackwaterfoot (9 miles/14.5 km) Visit the King's Cave on this day comprising of some road walking and a fine beach path.
Day 6 Blackwaterfoot to Lagg (8 miles/13 km) Your first glimpse of Ailsa Craig and fine sea views across the Firth of Clyde.
Day 7 Lagg to Whiting Bay (10 miles/16 km) Tide awareness is required on what is one of the most strenuous days of the itinerary especially around high tide. A rewarding day!
Day 8 Whiting Bay to Brodick (12 miles/19.5 km) You pass through the village of Lamlash on this day. A mix of forest paths and roads followed by beach path to take you to your final destination in Brodick.

If you would like to walk shorter/longer distances each day or stay at different stages along the Way, then please let us know and we will adapt the itinerary to suit your individual requirements (click here for alternative routes).

Cost of Package : £450.00 pp (based on two persons sharing)

This package includes:

  • Eight overnight stays in selected quality b&bs/guest houses/small hotels with en-suite facilities
  • Full Scottish breakfast
  • Baggage transfer from stage to stage
  • Transfers, if required, due to limited accommodation at some stages
  • Arran Rucksack Readers Guide & 1:25 000 OS Map
  • Comprehensive tour pack with full information on your walk including location details for your accommodations and local facilities
  • The services of the Gemini Team prior to and during your holiday

Not Included:

  • Evening meals, packed lunches and drinks (available at all stages)
  • Transport to /from the Island of Arran
  • Travel Insurance (we recommend that you arrange your own cover)

Notes :

  • Additional overnight stays can be arranged at a cost of £40.00 pp per night.
  • Discounts available for groups of 4 or more. Please ask at time of booking.
  • Solo walkers are welcome but there is a supplement of £20 per night.
  • Please note that Arran is a very busy tourist destination and accommodation can become limited during the busy summer months. Therefore, as much advance notice as possible is highly recommended.

Please feel free to contact us on for any further information on this walk. Thank you.

Gemini Walks - Walking at its Best
Gemini Walks Limited. 4 Inglis Place, Brightons, Falkirk FK2 0TE. Scotland
Tel: 01324 410260. Email: . Website: www.geminiwalks.com
© 2010 Gemini Walks Limited