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.