This straightforward walk heads up a quiet but scenic glen from Arran's western coastline. The objective is the boathouse at the foot of lonely Loch Iorsa.
Bog Factor
Rough path initially, then good landrover track. There are two shallow fords to cross.
Layby at NR881369, Dougarie.
Bus will stop on request.
NR881369
The walk begins from the parking layby on the seaward side of the A841 at NR881369 (there is no access via Dougarie Lodge). Take the tarred track that leads inland opposite the layby. After 200m the track turns left towards High Dougarie; leave it here and instead ascent the very rough rocky steps straight ahead, signed as a footpath. After the steps the route becomes easier, on a grassy path between a fence and a drystane dyke.
Further on the path becomes wooded, then open again as it leads through bracken. There are views over the green fields of Dougarie Lodge below to the right.
Eventually the path descends to meet the main track up the glen, now safely beyond Dougarie. Almost immediately there is a shallow concrete ford to cross - this may require a paddle depending on the water level. Continue along the easy track beyond, with distant views up the glen towards Beinns Tarsuinn and Nuis.
Ignore a footbridge over the main river off to the right, and continue up the glen, eventually passing through a gate in a deer fence. Beyond this another ford is reached, this time over the Scaftigill Burn. Down on your right is the Iorsa Water, one of Arran's two salmon rivers; the fishing is divided into 16 pools over two beats by a series of weirs.
Continue up the broad, empty glen for a further 1.5km to reach the boathouse at the foot of Loch Iorsa. Whilst a path does continue alongside the loch, it is particularly boggy and soon disappears. The best option is retrace your steps back down the glen to the start.
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