About Whiting Bay
The Village
Nestled on the east coast of the picturesque Isle of Arran, Whiting Bay is a charming seaside village located just 4 miles south of Lamlash and 8 miles south of Brodick.
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Whiting Bay is a charming seaside village that has been a popular resort since the late 19th century when it boasted the longest pier on the clyde and was a regular stop-off point for paddle steamers.
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Today, visitors to Whiting Bay can indulge in a variety of activities and dining options, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway. The village is renowned for its stunning forest walks, including the famous Glenashdale Falls and the historic Giants' Graves. With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities, Whiting Bay is truly a must-visit destination.
Beach
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Whiting Bay boasts a wonderful, sandy beach with interesting rock pools to explore. The sea in the village is generally calm in good weather and safe for swimming. It's also popular for sea kayaking and wind surfing.
​The area near the pier in the centre of the village is great for short swims and is just down the road from the house. If you bring a mask, this is a good spot for snorkelling (see the Arran snorkel trail).
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The larger sandy beach at Sandbraes is also great for swimming, building sandcastles and relaxing. There's a popular children's playpark just next to the beach here.
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Glenashdale Falls and Fort
One of the most popular shorter walks on the island, the falls are just under 2 miles from Sealladh A'Chluaidh - the walk can be extended past the Iron Age fort and the Giants Graves.
​The falls are set in managed woodland with a viewing platform to appreciate the spectacular double drop falls.
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The Iron Age fort is downstream from the falls and is easily accessible as part of the walk, This small fort must originally had a spectacular view across to the falls - unfortunately the tree cover means that you have to imagine this now!
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The fort would originally have had one or more circular houses inside defended by the outer wall.
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Giants Graves
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The Giants Graves can either be visited as an extension to the Glenashdale Falls walk, or as a shorter walk starting where the Glenashdale Burn meets the shore.
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Unsurprisingly, the graves ​​were not really built for giants, but are the remains of two "Clyde Type" Neolithic chambered tombs. There's a small board at the site with an illustration showing what the tombs would originally have looked like.
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Nearby, there are the remains of a further chambered cairn known as Torr an Loisgte. These are not as well known (or unfortunately as well preserved).
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Map location​​​
Kings Cross Point, Fort and Viking Burial
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With stunning views across to Holy Island, Kings Cross Point is at the north end of Whiting Bay towards Lamlash.
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The round shape of the prehistoric fort can be clearly seen at the top of the spit of land at the point.
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A little inland from the fort, there is a shallow imprint where a Viking Ship burial was excavated in the 19th century.
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Further down the slope towards the point itself, you can also see the remains of fixings from a World War 2 anti submarine net. This was placed across the water between Whiting Bay and Holy Isle to protect naval vessels stationed in the safe natural harbour of Lamlash Bay.
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If you're lucky, you may also see seals around the point (though south of Kildonan and the north end of Lamlash are easier spots to see seals).
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Golf
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Whiting Bay Golf Club is an 18 hole, par 63 course and a short walk up the hill from Clyde House (follow the road up the hill and through a small group of houses until you hit a small junction - the club house is to your left.
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For children and less ambitious golfers, there's a small pitch and putt course on the shore front in the centre of the village which is run on an honesty basis and open all day every day.
Shops in Whiting Bay
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There are a number of useful shops in Whiting Bay including the following:
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Post Office – also sells sweet treats, and a small stock of Wooley’s freshly filled rolls for a quick lunch. Cashback available.
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Eco Savvy – local Arran eco charity - combination of charity shop and eco friendly products (toiletries, cleaning products etc)
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Bay Kitchen and Stores – full range of grocery, speciality whole food. Fresh coffee and pastries to go (and a few seats to stay in). Local baked bread available but it goes fast so you may want to pre-order. Lots of local produce as well as international speciality food.
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Bay Wool and Crafts – work by local Arran makers, craft supplies – and Arran ice cream!
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MBS stores – hardware and petrol – but they also have a range of wines, beers and spirits, as well as emergency supplies of toiletries etc you may have forgotten to bring with you.
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Bayside Garage – petrol (and mechanics/auto care if you have any vehicle trouble)
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Pharmacy – essential medications and toiletries. Please note if buying anything requiring Pharmacist advice, the Pharmacist works across several stores – they list on the door when the Pharmacist will be in each day. The larger Pharmacy in Brodick usually has a Pharmacist available at all times.
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Whiting Bay Art Gallery – sells paintings and other forms of art/craft by local artists
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Whiting Bay Village Hall – keep an eye on the notice board for daytime craft fairs, evening music and Ceilidhs (there is a regular family Ceilidh if you’re staying with children)
Other Activities
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Whiting Bay has lots of other things to see and do. Here are a few suggestions:
Whiting Bay Hall (Facebook) is just down the road from Clyde House and regularly has events in the evenings including music and plays. Check the notice board near the hall for information.
Dive Arran (website) offer dives and courses for both beginners and experienced divers from the jetty in the centre of Whiting Bay.
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A forestry road runs above Whiting Bay to Lamlash to the north and Kilmory to the south. This makes for easy walking or mountain biking. This can be combined with walks to Glen Ashdale falls, or the Giants Graves.
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Loch na leirg (here) is the closest loch to Whiting Bay - high on the moorland above the village. It's a fairly tricky walk through the forestry with no marked path, so should only be attempted by experienced walkers with a good knowledge of how to use a map! The loch is satisfying to find with some beautiful views and doesn't get many visitors. The easiest route is to follow breaks in the trees from the old quarry on the forestry road between Whiting Bay and Lamlash (here), The loch can be combined with walks to the Urie Loch above Lamlash, or Loch Garbad to the south, though there are no footpaths so should only be attempted by experienced walkers.
