Glen Cloy and the Fairy Glen, Brodick

An easy circuit from Brodick through woodland along forestry roads and good footpaths.

Terrain

Earth paths, forestry tracks and surfaced roads.

Public Transport

Brodick is the main ferry port on Arran, and the hub for buses.

Start

Brodick Post Office (parking nearby). Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 204m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS014360

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Head uphill along the road adjacent to the post office for 500m, and take the lane signposted 'Lamlash' on the right. Follow this uphill ignoring a few side roads to reach a good earthen path continuing onwards in a hedge-lined avenue. The ascent soon eases and the path enters an area of birch woodland at 'The Fairy Dell'. Continue into more commercial forestry and cross a couple of footbridges over Strathwillan Burn tributaries to reach a picnic area and carpark. Here a view indicator identifies the peaks of the Goatfell range which are laid out on the horizon. Follow a path signposted 'Lamlash' which runs alongside the A841 uphill to reach a second carpark - this one is located across the road from the Bronze Age stone circle of Cnoc na Dail, an ancient meeting place for local crofters.

Stage 2

Head away from the road uphill along a good forestry track and take the first right through the clear-fell. The views across Brodick Bay and the northern mountains are superb and the good track provides ample opportunity to enjoy them. Continue downhill where a stand of conifers on the right has escaped felling and soon gives way to a picnic bench on a promontory overlooking Glen Cloy and the waterfalls cascading down the surrounding hillsides.

Stage 3

Further along the track drop down to cross the footbridge over the burn in Gleann Dubh and head uphill on the far side, ignoring the path heading left towards the head of the glen. Continue along the earthen footpath above Glencloy Water, cross a wooden footbridge and continue onwards to enter a marshy field. Cross this via a faint grass path, similarly the next field and pass through a gate to reach a vehicle track alongside a group of buildings.

Stage 4

Follow the track as it shadows the now more substantial Glencloy Water on the right with grazing land on the left offering views to Goatfell in the distance. The main track turns left towards High Glencloy, but ignore this and take the footpath right to continue alongside the river by way of a well-made footpath. Pass the holiday chalets of the Auchrannie Resort on the left and later a group of industrial units to reach the A841 at Cloy Bridge. Turn right and follow the pavement past sports fields and the war memorial to reach the post office on the right.

Route: Phil Turner

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