This superb circuit heads along crest of the low hill ridge south of Brodick, giving panoramic views over the bays of both Brodick and Lamlash.
Bog Factor
Tarmac roads, grassy fields, paths and clear tracks, boggy in places.
Brodick Ferry Terminal.
Brodick is the hub of public transport for Arran.
NS022358
The walk is described from the ferry terminal; there is parking either here or along the front in Brodick. Leacing the ferry terminal area, turn left along the A841 road (south) uphill. Take the left turn signposted Strathwhillan. Follow the road past several houses, until a stile on the right with a footpath sign. Turn right over the stile, heading uphill with a fence on your left.
After just under 100m up the field go left through a gap in the trees. At the far corner of the next field, turn right. As height is gained, there are stunning views looking back across Brodick Bay. Go left over a stile at a signpost.
Keep straight ahead across the next field to another stile, then ahead again to a stile and gate. Beyond this the path doglegs left and right (signposts) to emerge on a country lane. Turn right along this (leaving the Arran Coastal Way at this point), then left at a minor road descending through the scattered houses of North and South Corriegills. The surfaced road finishes at Corriegills Bridge before turning left through a band of mixed woodland. The rough vehicle track continues to traverse the hillside before descending slightly - immediately before reaching the last building on the track follow a small signposted track heading off to the right. This junction is easy to miss (despite the signpost) - if the buildings are reached turn around and the signpost should be more obvious.
The path crosses a small burn before passing through a densely-packed forest to emerge on a rough footpath across a bracken-clad slope with the sea below and the rounded profile of Dun Fionn ahead. At the signpost ignore the path ahead (signed for Lamlash) and instead turn right on a path through the bracken. This climbs up into the woodland, soon nearing a forestry track on your left. Ignore this and instead continue ahead uphill on the path. Keep to the ridge path at any junctions - ignoring paths off right. Eventually a bench and cairn is reached with glorious views towards Goatfell.
On the opposite side of the ridge, there are equally great views down the other side to Lamlash Bay and Holy Isle. Continue along the path that descends quite steeply down the heathery slopes, eventually swining left and reaching a forest track. Turn right along this.
Keep ahead when a track joins from the right. Look out for a path that forks off right - this is an optional detour to visit Blairmore Stone circle (take the branch path, then go right again). The monument has four massive round-topped granite blocks enclosing an area 17ft in diameter. Return to the main track, and follow it down to the main road. Head across and turn right along a good path that runs parallel to the road towards Brodick. This path soon reaches a small car park with a view indicator identifying the peaks of the Goatfell range.
Turn left and follow the path into an area of mature woodland known as Fairy Glen. Cross two footbridges on this easy path, and ignore branch paths on both sides. Go straight ahead when a junction is reached with a surfaced road on the outskirts of Brodick. Keep ahead down the road, then turn left when a t-junction is reached. Soon the main road along Brodick seafront is reached. Turn right to return along the front to the ferry terminal.
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