A delightful walk taking in the village of Carradale, bay at Port Rìgh, Carradale Point and the lovely long sands at Carradale Bay. The route crosses the golf course where care should be taken.
Paths (indistinct in places), sandy shore, tracks and minor road.
Carradale can be reached by bus from Campbeltown.
Carradale Harbour.
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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.
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.
Soon the semi-circle of Port Rìgh 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.
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. From here descend the vehicle track which leads back towards the houses before swinging left.
Pass through a gate and continue on the track to the far corner of the field. Go straight ahead here; when the track forks on the approach to Carradale Bay you need to make a choice. If you want to include an additional detour to Carradale Point keep left to reach the easternmost part of the bay, then following faint clifftop paths towards the point. There are remains of a vitrified fort on the actual point which is not accessible. Otherwise, the right hand branch leads over a footbridge and through the gorse to reach the wide expanses of the sandy beach.
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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Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.
