This very short circular walk crosses a beautiful sandy beach before ascending to view the ruins of Kildonan Castle. Despite its brevity, the section along the shore is rough going over rocks and seaweed, and the path up to the castle becomes overgrown in summer.
Track, path, rough and rocky shoreline. Overgrown sections.
Bus to Kildonan.
Car park at east end of Kildonan.
The walk begins from a layby suitable for a few cars - or a grassy but often wet car park opposite. To begin the walk head down the flight of steps to reach a play area with a fine sandy beach just beyond. There are great views out to the island of Pladda with its prominent white lighthouse, and the great dome of Ailsa Craig seen beyond if the day is clear.
Head down to the beach itself and turn left across the sands. Soon the golden sand gives way to much rougher going along the shore, covered in boulders and seaweed - care is needed. The ivy-clad ruin of Kildonan Castle becomes visible atop the low cliffs above the shore to the left.
The castle was built by the MacDonalds - the Lords of the Isles - back in the 13th century. Later it served a hunting lodge for the Kings of Scotland including Robert III. A path - which can be quite overgrown in summer - heads up from the shore towards the houses beside the ruins. Take this path; once near the castle there's an interpretive board though you can't access the ruin itself due to private gardens.
Continue along the path which bends left to reach an access track. Follow this to the junction with the main road, then turn left to continue back to the start.
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