Route Summary
A very varied walk under the Goatfell range, introducing a mix of Arran landscapes, taking in woodland, waterfalls, moorland, mountain views, farmland, a golf course, and a sandy beach. Visits to the Arran Heritage Museum and Brodick Castle and Country Park are recommended, but optional.
Duration: 3 hours.
Route Overview
Duration: 3 hours.
Transport/Parking: There is a frequent bus service from Brodick. Check timetables. There are parking areas at both sides of the A841, at the Cladach Sawmill and Garden Centre complex.
Length: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi Height Gain/Loss: 127 meter.
Max Height: 0 meter. Min Height: 84 meter.
Surface: Moderate. Mostly good paths, estate roads, and tarred public roads. A short section walking on the verge of the bust A841 road. Believed not suitable for off-road mobility scooter due to the narrow moorland path with boulders between Waypoint 4 and 5.
Difficulty: Medium.
Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance and overall ascent.
Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on lead on public roads and near farm animals.
Refreshments: There are options at the Cladach walk start/end point, and in Brodick.
Description
Due to its variety of scenery and dramatic mountains, the Isle of Arran is often described as “Scotland in miniature”. Equally, the diverse environments encountered on this special walk might qualify it to be described as “Arran in miniature”! This very enjoyable route takes in mature mixed woodland; a deep rocky gorge enclosed by giant rhododendrons, with rushing waterfalls; an atmospheric upland glen with open grassy moorland under steeply sloped mountains; an arresting view of Goatfell; a tumultuous highland river with cascading waters; abundant birdlife, with an opportunity to encounter some sheep and red deer; green and pleasant pasture; a golf course; a sweeping sandy beach; and, optionally, visits to the Arran Heritage Museum, and Brodick Castle, with its grand Victorian edifice, and its unique and exotic gardens. The route starts and finishes at the Cladach Sawmill and Garden Centre, where a number of other interesting Arran enterprises are based, just over 3 km from the ferry terminal in Brodick. Although you need to be equipped for a hill-walk, the route is not arduous, and the ascents encountered are gentle. If you haven’t already done so, we suggest a visit to nearby Brodick Castle before, or after, the walk. It can be easily reached by taking the “39 Steps” pedestrian path from the walk start-point, or driving to the car-park, a little further up the A841 main road. On our visit, we particularly enjoyed the delightful Walled Garden, and Woodland Garden with many exotic plant species from across the world. A visit to the castle itself has been enhanced, in recent years, by an interactive experience with an emphasis on the lives and personalities of the owning families. The Castle, Country Park and associated visitor experience are managed by the National Trust for Scotland who, of course, charge a range of visitor prices for non-members of the NTS. See: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodick-castle-garden-country-park
Links:
Photos from walk
Download Route Guide(PDF with illustrated Waypoints)
Download GPX file (GPS Exchange Format)
Access Walk on OutdoorActive
Access Walk on OSMaps
Access Walk on Alltrails
Access Walk on Wikiloc
The Mack Walks 