A very short circular walk crosses a beautiful sandy beach before ascending to view the ruins of Kildonan Castle.
Metalled roads, rough tracks and sandy beach.
Bus to Kildonan.
Car park at east end of Kildonan.
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The walk begins from a small layby suitable for a few cars (opposite a larger grass car park) - proceed down a flight of stairs towards an inviting sandy beach overlooking the rocky island of Pladda with prominent white lighthouse. The granite stump of Ailsa Craig is often visible on the horizon beyond, home to a huge colony of gannets and the source of countless curling stones crafted from the blue hone granite.
Pass a small playground to reach the beach itself and turn left along an obvious path, or alternatively enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes by walking on the beach itself. Turning your back on Pladda the ruins of Kildonan Castle come into view on the cliffs above, ideally situated with an unrestricted view across the Firth of Clyde it was erected to protect.
Built in the 13th century by the MacDonald clan, the castle's role soon changed to that of a hunting lodge for the Kings of Scotland including Robert III. An obvious path leads up from the shore towards the cluster of private houses surrounding the ruins - follow this past an interpretive board for a closer look but please respect the privacy of the householders.
Thread through the houses trending left to reach the access drive and follow this back to the junction with the main road. Turn left and follow the road back to the roadside layby and the start of the walk.
Route: Phil Turner
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