Arran Coastal Way: 5 Blackwaterfoot to Lagg

Summary

Leaving Blackwaterfoot the Coastal Way sticks to the shore to pass the Preaching Cave and a somewhat rocky and boggy section before climbing up to the road. There follows tarmac walking with good views, continuing to Lagg / Kilmory where there is a hotel and bunkhouse.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Part of the shore walk can be wet and rocky. Road with no pavement.

Getting there

Start

Blackwaterfoot.

Public Transport

Bus runs along the A841, shadowing much of the route.

Start Grid Ref

NR896281

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Services

Blackwaterfoot has hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation, plus a shop. There is a hotel / inn at Lagg at the end of the stage, and a bunkhouse.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.55km / 6.5 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 206m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Leave Blackwaterfoot following the minor road on the seaward side of the hotel. This soon becomes a sandy track passing a number of houses. The route narrows to a path running alongside a stone wall, keep near to the coast at the path junction and stay on the faint path running along the grasy shoreline soon crossing a small stream on stepping stones.

Stage 2

A grassy path near the field fence keeps you off the rocky shore until you round Kilpatrick Point. The route becomes a little rockier although there is still a clear path. Pass three caves, the middle of which is the Preaching Cave. The smoke-blackened cave was used as a church for a time after 1843 when clearances of whole villages by landlord Earl Hamilton led many on Arran to abandon the established church in favour of the Free Church. The one set up in the Preaching Cave was led by a cottar turned preacher, William McKinnon who had been badly affected by the clearance policy.

Stage 3

Soon the route gets more difficult, there are yellow paint markers to ease the way as it climbs over stones and through overgrown areas. A Coastal Way sign directs walkers slightly inland and over a stile. Further on the path returns to the shore it soon reaches a wide flat grassy area.

Stage 4

Here turn left following the marker post to head up next to the remains of an old stone wall towards the tree-covered bank. Continue along the path, which eventually crosses some boardwalks and then climbs steps to reach the road. Turn right along the road.

Stage 5

The easy walking of the road may come as a relief and there are good open views over the fertile countryside and coast. In late spring and summer the verge is awash with wildflowers. The road heads inland to take in the small scattered settlement of Corriecravie.

Stage 6

Continue on the road through Sliddery - there are no facilities here. The road descends to Sliddery Bridge and then climbs once more.

Stage 7

Continue along the road, soon reaching the Lagg Distillery, which offers tours and tastings (booking required). Beyond it, the road eventually it leads downhill to the picturesque hotel at Lagg. There is also a cafe and further up the hill the Kilmory bunkhouse.

Next stage: Lagg to Whiting Bay (by the coast)
Next stage: Lagg to Whiting Bay (avoiding tidal sections / boulder scrambles)

Route Profile

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