Experience the rugged peaks, sweeping moorlands, and tranquil shores of Scotland’s Isle of Arran with a handpicked collection of 44 inspiring walks, plus one route on neighbouring Holy Isle and the iconic Arran Coastal Way, one of Scotland’s Great Trails. Discover the island’s dramatic contrasts, from the wild northern mountains to gentle southern landscapes, and explore a region often described as ‘Scotland in miniature’.

Ideal for both seasoned adventurers and newcomers, this definitive Cicerone guidebook presents routes for every ability, from easy forest trails and low-level strolls to challenging high mountain traverses and exposed scrambles. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful coastal walk or the thrill of reaching Goatfell’s summit, these routes can be tailored to your pace and ambition.

• Discover 44 handpicked walks across the Isle of Arran and Holy Isle, including the complete 110km Arran Coastal Way, with options to link or combine routes for longer adventures, detailed in the Cicerone guide.
• Choose routes ranging from 5–23km (3–14 miles) and 2–7 hours in duration, covering everything Arran has to offer, from easy nature trails to challenging mountain scrambles, many accessible by public transport.
• Enjoy year-round walking through Arran’s spectacular landscapes, including wild northern peaks, tranquil southern farmland, ancient woodlands, geological wonders, and scenic coastlines rich in historical sites.
• Each walk in the guide features a clear summary, start and finish points, detailed 1:50,000 OS map extracts, GPX downloads, public transport details, walking times, and recommendations for accommodation and refreshments on Arran along the way.
• Gain insights into Arran’s unique geology, history, flora, fauna, and local points of interest, with fascinating background information provided throughout the guidebook.
• Make the most of interlinked routes and expert advice to create bespoke circuits or traverse the island, with practical tips on travel, access, navigation, and facilities, ensuring you explore Arran with confidence.

Set out to discover the mountains, coasts, and captivating heritage of Arran at your own pace, in every season. With this trusted Cicerone guidebook, experience the very best walking this remarkable Scottish island has to offer.

Walking on Arran – Quick Facts

Location: Isle of Arran, plus one walk on neighbouring Holy Isle
Number of routes: 44 walks on Arran, 1 on Holy Isle; includes the full Arran Coastal Way
Distance: Routes range from 5–23km (3–14 miles); Arran Coastal Way is 110km (68 miles)
Duration: 2–7 hours per walk; Arran Coastal Way forms a 7-day trek
Areas covered: Northern mountains (including Goatfell and all northern summits), southern moorlands, forests, farmland, coastal bays, and ancient historical sites
Route type: Variety of easy, moderate, and strenuous routes; options to link, combine, or extend walks for longer circuits and treks
Difficulty: Suitable for all abilities; from easy waymarked trails and low-level walks to arduous mountain routes with exposed scrambling
Terrain: Pathless mountain terrain, glens, forests, moorland, farmland, placid coastal bays, geological features, and historical landmarks
Navigation: 1:50,000 OS map extracts and GPX downloads included for every walk
Best season: Walks for all seasons
Highlights: Wild northern peaks, the Arran Coastal Way, fascinating geology, ancient sites, rich wildlife and plantlife, and contrasting island landscapes
Facilities: Practical advice on travel, public transport, accommodation, food and drink, access, and local points of interest included for each walk

Author Highlight

"It is worth mentioning that this entire book was researched and updated exclusively using local bus services. There is no need to take a vehicle on to Arran, as almost every place that could be reached by car is also served by buses. Walking clubs from the mainland are regular weekend users of the buses.” 

- Paddy Dillon, author of Walking on Arran

Contents

Overview map
Map key

Introduction

Getting to the Isle of Arran
Getting around the Isle of Arran
Familiarisation with the Isle of Arran
A geology classroom
A turbulent history
Land ownership and access
Island animals
Island plants
Accommodation on the Isle of Arran
Food and drink on the Isle of Arran
The maps
The walks
Tourist information
Emergency services on the Isle of Arran

The walks

Walk 1    Goatfell and Brodick
Walk 2    Brodick Castle and Country Park
Walk 3    Brodick and the Clauchland Hills
Walk 4    Sithein and Glen Cloy
Walk 5    Lamlash and the Clauchland Hills
Walk 6    Sithein and The Ross
Walk 7    Lamlash to Brodick
Walk 8    Holy Isle from Lamlash
Walk 9    Tighvein and Monamore Glen
Walk 10    Glenashdale and Urie Loch
Walk 11    Glenashdale Falls and Giants’ Graves
Walk 12    Lamlash and Kingscross
Walk 13    Eas Mòr and Loch Garbad
Walk 14    Lagg to Kildonan coastal walk
Walk 15    Kilmory forest circuit
Walk 16    Sliddery and Cnocan Donn
Walk 17    Tighvein and Glenscorrodale
Walk 18    The Ross and Cnoc a’ Chapuill
Walk 19    Shiskine and Clauchan Glen
Walk 20    Balmichael and Ard Bheinn
Walk 21    The String and Beinn Bhreac
Walk 22    Blackwaterfoot and King’s Cave
Walk 23    Machrie Moor Stone Circles
Walk 24    Dougarie and Beinn Nuis
Walk 25    Dougarie and Sail Chalmadale
Walk 26    Circuit of Glen Iorsa
Walk 27    Imachar and Mullach Buidhe
Walk 28    Pirnmill and Mullach Buidhe
Walk 29    Coire-Fhionn Lochan
Walk 30    Catacol and Meall nan Damh
Walk 31    Catacol and Beinn Bhreac
Walk 32    Catacol and Beinn Tarsuinn
Walk 33    Lochranza and Meall Mòr
Walk 34    Gleann Easan Biorach
Walk 35    Lochranza and the Cock of Arran
Walk 36    Lochranza and Sail an Im
Walk 37    Sannox and Fionn Bhealach
Walk 38    North Glen Sannox Horseshoe
Walk 39    Glen Sannox Horseshoe
Walk 40    Glen Sannox to Glen Rosa
Walk 41    Corrie and Goatfell
Walk 42    Glen Rosa and Beinn Tarsuinn
Walk 43    Western Glen Rosa
Walk 44    Eastern Glen Rosa
Appendix A    Route summary table
Appendix B    Arran Coastal Way
Appendix B    Useful contacts
Appendix C    Gaelic/English glossary

Seasons

Arran is good for walking year-round: be aware that the island's population triples in the peak summer period, and deer stalking takes place mid-August to mid-October.

Centres

Brodick; Lamlash; Lochranza

Difficulty

This guide include a few easy, waymarked forest trails and low-level walks and a dozen or so moderate glen and hill walks. The rest of the routes require more effort, involving higher mountains, sometimes with hands-on scrambling. There are roads and forest tracks, hill tracks and paths, but many routes also cross pathless slopes and traverse rocky mountain ridges.

Must See

Goatfell, Holy Isle, Beinn Nuis, Beinn Tarsuinn, the Sannox Horseshoe, Glen Rosa and the Cock of Arran

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