​​Goatfell

At 874m, Goatfell is Arran’s highest peak. This popular climb rewards walkers with panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde and, on clear days, glimpses of Islay, Jura and even Ireland. The most popular route begins at Brodick Castle and is well-marked, though challenging in parts.

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Glen Rosa

A beautiful glen walk starting from the north end of Brodick that provides a gentler alternative to Goatfell. Glen Rosa is perfect for those wanting to soak up dramatic mountain scenery without a strenuous climb. It’s also a great starting point for longer treks into the surrounding hills. The Blue Pools part way up Glen Rosa are a popular spot for photographs and swimming.

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The Saddle

Connecting Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox, this steep mountain pass is a more adventurous route, involving a short scramble. It’s best tackled in dry weather and from the Glen Sannox end, but the views of both glens and the craggy peaks are well worth the effort. At the start of the walk, look out for the cemetery with the boulder marking the grave of Arran's only murder (in the nineteenth century). You can also see the remains of Victorian mine workings in the lower parts of Glen Sannox.

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Cock of Arran Walk

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Start at Sannox car park and follow the path north along the coast to Lochranza. This northern coastal route passes geological wonders like a visible coal seam and the Millipede Trail – named for fossilized millipede tracks preserved in stone. The terrain is uneven, but there's lots to see.

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Glenashdale Falls and Giants Graves

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A gentle, though hilly forest walk above Whiting Bay taking you past an Iron Age fort, Glenashdale Falls and the Giants Graves.

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Kings Cross Point and Fort

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Starting from Sandbraes in Whiting Bay, there are several routes to the point which offers views of Holy Isle and Lamlash Bay, an Iron Age fort and the remains of a Viking Ship burial. My favourite route is to follow the coast along which is a bit of a scramble, but worth it (and fun for more adventurous kids).

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Lagg via Forestry Path

Starting above Whiting Bay, this gentle, though fairly long walk takes you along the forest road through pine forest and farmland. The trail ends at Kilmory where you can enjoy a well deserved drink at the picturesque Lagg Hotel.

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King’s Cave

Starting from Blackwaterfoot, this coastal route takes you past the dramatic cliffs of Bennan Head to a dramatic sea cave said to have sheltered Robert the Bruce. The cave’s walls are carved with early Christian markings and mysterious Ogham script, making it as interesting historically as it is visually.

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​Loch Tanna

Remote and wild, Loch Tanna is Arran's biggest loch and one of the island’s lesser-visited spots. The route follows the beautiful Catacol burn and is great for wildlife and plants. The Arran Whitebeam and Arran Service Tree (some of the world's rarest trees) grow wild near here and can be seen in an enclosure at the start of the walk. The final stretch can be boggy with an unclear track, but the walk is well worth it if you enjoy solitude and a sense of true wilderness.

 

Arran Coastal Way

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A 65-mile long-distance route circling the island, the Coastal Way can be broken into segments. It showcases Arran’s full diversity: beaches, cliffs, forests, and tiny villages. Perfect for multi-day walkers or those picking off sections at a time.

Website

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Arran Geopark

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Explore the geology trails defined as part of the Arran Geopark to see interesting geological features including dinosaur footprints, a giant millipede trail and Hutton's Unconformity.

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