Brodick to Sannox - low level route

Summary

This is the low level alternative for the first stage of the Arran Coastal Way, avoiding the ascent of Goatfell on the main route for those lacking experience or for bad weather. It visits the fabulous beach at the north end of Brodick Bay, the old harbour beneath the castle, and continues on forest tracks to Corrie. The final section runs along the attractive coast road to Sannox.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good paths, tracks or roads throughout.

Public Transport

Brodick is the main ferry port on Arran, and the hub for buses. Sannox is linked to it by bus.

Start

Brodick ferry terminal. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.5km / 7.75 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 184m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS021358

Mapping and GPS

Install our App FREE
Download our route descriptions and use offline with GPS mapping

Want to sponsor this route?

Accommodation

Stage 1

From the ferry terminal, turn right along the main road in Brodick, passing along the seafront (there's a map board for the start and finish Arran Coastal Way at the start of the seafront). Continue right along the front until you reach the white Co-op building. Turn right and walk along the side of the Co-op into the car park, talking the path between the children's playground and the shore. It gives stunning views across Brodick Bay to the castle and Goatfell towering beyond.

Stage 2

Cross a footbridge over the Glencloy Water and skirt an area of salt marsh before crossing a corner of the golf course. On the far side turn sharp right to follow the river downstream. The gorse-lined path leads alongside the golf course for a short distance before offering access to Brodick's north beach. Continue north along the golf course (being aware of wayward golf balls) or the fine sandy beach, to reach the third footbridge across Cnocan Water. Cross this and follow the path up to a car park and the main road.

Stage 3

Cross the A841 and take the track opposite to pass to the right of the Wineport Bistro. Curve behind the bistro to pass an outdoor shop and the Arran Brewery. Take the main Goatfell path in the far corner and follow this as it ascends up into the woodland. Ignore paths branching off either side, and go straight across at a tarmac road. Ignore more branch paths until eventually the main path curves sharply right (the 'Charcoal ride'); at this point carry straight on along a narrower path for Goatfell. At the next junction - signed Balmoral Ride - turn right (if you prefer, the main Arran Coastal Way route keeps ahead to continue via Goatfell).

Stage 4

Keep on the main track, which is waymarked for the Arran Coastal Way, avoiding turnings and climbing for a time. Eventually the track descends - at a fork, keep left. Leaving the trees, a larger track is met at a sharp zig-zag bend - turn left to follow this track uphill. This narrows after a turning area and a seat, and has some open views.

Stage 5

The track - now quite narrow and shielded by the trees - traverses the slope for quite some distance but eventually descends, with a sharp zig-zag to the right and back left, to return down to the main road.

Stage 6

Turn left along the main road for the remainder of the day's stage. Though care is needed, traffic is reasonably light and there is much to see (look out for the carved seal). Soon the road passes into Corrie village, passing the tiny harbour. Further on it passes the bunkhouse and hotel.

Stage 7

Continue along the road, passing another tiny harbour with rows of picturesque cottages, before continuing to Sannox. The stage ends at Sannox, with views across the bay.

Next stage: Sannox to Lochranza

Route Profile

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support Walkhighlands?

Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.