A delightful walk taking in the village of Carradale, bay at Port Righ, Carradale Point and the lovely long sands at Carradale Bay. The route crosses the golf course where care should be taken.
Summary
Paths (indistinct and boggy in places), sandy shore, tracks and minor road.
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1. Start from the Harbour at Carradale which is signed from the centre of the village and has a car park with toilets. Facing away from the water take a steep path to the left of Portcrannaig Cottage. At the top continue straight ahead and go through a kissing gate signed for Airds Castle. Head across the golf course aiming for just to the left of the rocky crag and keeping left of a stone wall - keep an eye out for golfers and keep out of the way of any games. At the edge of the golf course pick up a rough path which passes to the left of the rocky lump.
2. As you near the sea, the ruin of Airds Castle can be seen on the next outcrop on the left, the remains of one wall still visible. Follow the narrow path as it now climbs up to the right and keeps just to the right of a fence. There are good views over to Arran across the sound. Watch out for the wild goats that roam these cliffs.
3. Soon the semi-circle of Port Righ bay can be seen ahead. Follow the top of the cliff inland slightly and then over some black matting at the edge of the golf course and down a steep section at the edge of the course. Once at the bottom turn left to follow a faint path down to a track near the water. Turn right to follow the track for a short distance and then head straight across the golf course to a pedestrian gate on the far side to the left of a series of flag poles.
4. Turn left onto the road and walk to the end of the bay and the Dunvalanree Hotel. Turn left in front of the hotel to follow a path signed for Carradale Point. Climb a stile and bear left to follow a steep (and sometimes muddy) path uphill through thick rhododendron bushes. Soon you pass a natural arch on the left, which may or may not be full of sheltering goats, continue uphill and at a fork keep right to head towards a small mast. The path here is very faint, make your way over the heather to the mast and from there head south to pick up a clearer path in a slight valley.
5. After a short while this path curves to the right to head inland once more. Soon the sandy expanse of Carradale Bay comes into sight. Keep heading for it and do not turn left onto a faint path. If you want to view Carradale Point the best path is the one nearest to Carradale Bay heading left close to the cliffs. There are remains of a vitrified fort on the actual point which is not accessible. After the detour to see the Point, continue down towards the bay, and pass through a metal gate, next to a substantial section of stone wall, before crossing the stream to reach the sands.
6. The walk across the Bay on the sand is delightful and a birdwatcher's paradise. At very high tide you can take the track just up on the shore. Just before the end of the sand turn right to reach the track and follow it, through gorse bushes, round the end of the caravan site and alongside the tidal river. Keep straight on along the track, passing the stepping stones which lead to Waterfoot on the left. At a signed fork keep right and pass the lodge house on the left and turn left just before the cattle grid to go through the small gate for Carradale House onto the main road. Turn right and follow the road to the village hall which used to be a water mill. Here turn onto the path alongside the road and follow this and then the road back into Carradale. Keep past the shop and hotel and turn right at the sign for the Harbour to return to the start.
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