Arran Coastal Way
The Arran Coastal Way is a 103 km waymarked circuit of the Isle of Arran — taking in the rugged northern granite mountains, the southern sandstone coast and the famous Goat Fell ridge in a full circumnavigation of this miniature Scotland.
About Arran Coastal Way
Arran is sometimes called "Scotland in miniature" — it has Highland mountains, coastal moorland, sandy beaches and lush lowland farmland all within a 40 km island. The Coastal Way circles the whole island, sticking mostly to the shoreline and combining sea-level running with occasional ridge diversions.
For trail runners it is a one to two day challenge — many do it in a single day, with the full circuit taking eight to fourteen hours depending on fitness and conditions. The north-west coast is the most dramatic, with the granite peaks of Goat Fell (874 m) visible throughout. The southern coast is gentler and more populated.
The route
The circuit is usually run clockwise from Brodick ferry terminal. Brodick to Lochranza (~25 km, east coast): Through Corrie and the north-east coast. Steep, rocky paths with sea views.
Lochranza to Blackwaterfoot (~30 km, north and west coast): The wild north coast, Catacol Bay, Machrie Moor standing stones — some of the best standing stone circles in Scotland.
Blackwaterfoot to Brodick (~48 km, south and east coast): The sandy southern coast, Lamlash Bay and Holy Island, returning to Brodick.
Getting there & logistics
Access: Ferry from Ardrossan (train from Glasgow Central) to Brodick. Also a seasonal ferry Claonaig–Lochranza (Kintyre).
Accommodation: Brodick, Corrie, Lochranza, Blackwaterfoot, Lamlash. The island is well-set-up for visitors.
Best time: May to September.
Safety
The Arran coastal paths involve some rough, rocky terrain particularly on the north coast. The Goat Fell ridge, if taken as a diversion, is serious mountain terrain. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Coastguard (coastal) or Mountain Rescue (inland). Arran MRT covers the mountain sections.
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