Situated
in the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde, the Isle of
Arran is the most southerly and most accessible of all the
Scottish islands. Split in two by the Highland Boundary Fault,
the island is often described as 'Scotland in Miniature': the
jagged peaks, twisting airy ridges, rugged corries and deep
glens in the north of the island have a grandeur reminiscent
of the best of Highland scenery, while the rolling moorland,
forested hills, pastures, wooded valleys and scattered farmsteads
of the south are similar to the Lowlands. The coastline of
rugged cliffs, spectacular caves, sandy beaches, landslips
and boulder fields is also magnificent.
The Arran Coastal Way combines coastal paths, forest tracks,
roads and stretches of beach to encircle this enchanting island.
Along the way it passes through some very attractive villages
including Lagg, Sannox, Kildonan and Corrie, where whitewashed
fishermen's cottages overlook an exquisite little harbour. It
also passes many reminders of Arran's rich history including
Neolithic chambered cairns, Bronze Age stone circles, Iron Age
hill forts, the mouldering ruin of Kildonan Castle, the gaunt
keep of Lochranza Castle, the warm red sandstone pile of Brodick
Castle, surrounded by magnificent gardens, salt pans, ruined
crofts abandoned during the Clearances and King's Cave, where
according to legend Robert the Bruce was inspired by the determination
of a small spider.
Arran's rich and diverse
wildlife is a special feature of the trail. Seals are often seen
basking on the shores of the island. Red squirrels are common
in forested areas and red deer thrive in the mountains of the
north. Bird life in the hills is dominated by golden eagle, hen-harrier,
buzzard, grouse, curlew, raven, and wheatear. The coastline supports
a wide variety of birds including eider, gannet, cormorant, shelduck,
oystercatcher, red-breasted merganser, redshank, red-throated
diver and fulmar. |

Brodick Bay © CWH

Machrie Moor © CWH
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