Imachar to Blackwaterfoot

Summary

The fourth stage of the Arran Coastal Way begins with a long stretch of roadwalking beside the island's western coastline. Eventually the route leaves the road to head down to the coast for the final stretch, passing the spectacular King's Cave and rounding Drumadoon Point before crossing the sandy beach to Blackwaterfoot.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Roadwalking for much of the way; then fairly good paths with rocky section and final sandy beach.

Public Transport

Bus runs along the A841 shadowing much of the route.

Start

A894 road south of Imachar. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 16.25km / 10 miles
Time: 4.5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 163m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NR864401

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Accommodation

Stage 1

This stage starts where the coast road descends to the shoreline just south of the cottages at Imachar; there are no facilites here but the bus service does pass by. Begin by walking southwards along the road. Although on tarmac, there is plenty to look out for; otters may be glimpsed along the shoreline, which is more commonly frequented by oystercatchers and herons. Look out for gannets too - on fishing expeditions from their homes on Ailsa Craig - watching them spear the water when they dive for fish is an amazing experience.

Stage 2

The road eventually passes the elaborate boathouse at Dougarie and crosses the bridge below Dougarie Lodge. After just over another kilometre, there is a chance to detour up the signed track to the left to visit the cafe at The Old Byre Visitor Cenrre at Auchencar; otherwise continue along the road to a junction below Auchagallon; take the right fork to stay on the coastal road here which soon passes the Machrie Bay Golf Course and Tearoom.

Stage 3

After another 1.5km or so the road crosses a bridge over the Machrie Water. A short distance beyond is a parking area on the left - it is well worth making a detour at this point to visit the array of atmospheric stone circles on Machrie Moor - one of Arran's most magical places - before returning to this point. The Arran Coastal Path itself continues along the road until it reaches the King's Cave forestry car park on the right. Turn off the road here, taking the path next to the sign into the trees at the right corner of the car park.

Stage 4

The path passes the site of a hut circle and then soon emerges from the trees to run along the northern boundary of the forest, rewarded with views of the Pirnmill Hills, and across the Kilbrannan Sound to the Kintyre peninsula. The path curves left before doubling back to descend down a rocky gully (a dyke of softer rock) through a cleft to reach a gate - pass through this and onto the shore. The route now continues along the coastline - although the path occasionally disappears simply seek the easiest route along the rocky foreshore.

Stage 5

The caves eventually begin to appear in the cliffs to the left. A path leads up to King's Cave, which is easily identified by the large metal gate protecting the entrance originally intended to protect the Christian and pre-Christian carvings contained within.

Stage 6

These days the gate is left unlocked and it is possible to explore the spacious interior; it's important to avoid damaging the carvings. Leaving the cave, the route turns left to pass through an open cave and continue along the shore beyond. The path soon climbs slightly to a signpost. Take the right path here, signed for Blackwaterfoot (the left branch leads back to the King's Cave car park).

Stage 7

The basalt columns of the crags below The Doon are prominent ahead. Keep following a path towards the foot of the cliffs, and then fork right where the ground is covered with pebbles (Arran Coastal Way sign) to head to the grassy pasture beneath the Doon cliffs. The next section used to be an awkward boulder field, but a path forking left has now been marked through the boulders to ease the going - which remains rough.

Stage 8

At the end of this section the path reaches a gate onto the golf course. The signed route for the Arran Coastal Path now goes right, passing round a tidal section of shoreline; at high tide you may need to bypass this brief stretch by heading through the gate, passing beneath the left side of the tee elevated above the coast - giving way to any golfers' playing shots - and then descending beyond the tee to rejoin the shoreline. This leads to Drumadoon Point, where there is a bench to enjoy the fine views across the sound to Kintyre. After rounding the point the route takes to the sandy beach of Drumadoon Bay.

Stage 9

Continue across the sands until below the car park at the golf club. Here leave the beach and continue along the lane into the centre of the village of Blackwaterfoot. At the main road, turn right to continue and reach the shop and hotel.

Next stage: Blackwaterfoot to Lagg

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