Glenashdale Falls and the Giant's Graves, Whiting Bay

This superb circular walk climbs up through a wooded glen to reach a viewing platform for the Glenashdale Falls - a double cascade which is the finest on Arran. The route then continues to visit the Giant's Graves - two chambered cairns - with a fantastic outlook over Whiting Bay and Holy Island. NOTE: Due to forestry work some trails and forest roads around Glenashdale and Giants' Graves will be closed for periods up until end of October 2019. Please follow any diversions and closure signs.

Terrain

Woodland footpath and tracks; fair amount of ascent and descent.

Public Transport

Bus to Whiting Bay.

Start

Parking areas either side of Ashdale Bridge, Whiting Bay. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.75km / 3 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 152m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS045255

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There are parking areas both north and south of Ashdale Bridge towards the southern end of Whiting Bay. There are also picnic tables here with a great outlook over the bay. The walk begins up the signed path on the south side of the bridge. Pass the barrier and continue to a signpost - keep ahead here for the falls (the path on the left is the return leg).

Stage 2

The path leads through fine woodland by the burn, and soon begins to gain height. At one point it crosses a footbridge over a tributary before ascending more steeply.

Stage 3

Eventually a viewing platform is reached. This gives spectacular views over the Glenashdale Falls. Known as the Eas a' Chrannaig in Gaelic, the double falls are around 140 feet (45 metres) high - click on the photograph to expand to see the whole cascade.

Stage 4

Continuing up the path there is another viewpoint good for the upper part of the falls - and back to the dramatic viewing platform you have just been stood on, jutting out into space! From the viewpoint, take the path off to the left, signed for 'Giant's Graves'.

Stage 5

The path climbs up to meet a track at a t-junction; turn left along this. Follow the track as it contours the hillside for 1km or so, until a junction where you again turn left signed for the graves. Take another left onto a path to climb up to this impressive pair of chambered burial cairns, with a stunning view over the bay.

Stage 6

Beyond the graves the path begins to descend, with more great views over Whiting Bay village. The descent becomes quite steep before eventually rejoining the outward route at the sign near the start. Turn right to return to the road and the parking area.

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