Lochranza to Imachar

Summary

The third stage of the Arran Coastal Way begins from Lochranza, and follows the old postie's footpath through the birchwoods high above the road. It then descends to the hamlet of Catacol and its inn, before a long but quiet section round the coast road to Pirnmill village. From here there is a final very rugged jaunt along the coastline away from the road, which is rejoined at Imachar.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

The Postie's path is muddy and rough in places; it is followed by a long road section. The coastal stretch to Imachar has awkward going over pathless shoreline boulders but later improves.

Public Transport

Bus runs along the A841 linking Lochranza, Catacol, Pirnmill and past Imachar.

Start

Lochranza. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.5km / 9 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 172m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NR931506

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Accommodation

Stage 1

Follow the A841 road west through Lochranza, passing close to the ruined castle and approaching the ferry terminal. Before reaching the jetty, turn left up a track between the houses - next to the 'Claonaig Ferry 115 yrds' sign. Follow the track as it curves up to the right, and keep ahead onto a smaller track to the left of the garage of the last house.

Stage 2

The track climbs steeply and gives good views back over Loch Ranza. When the track bends left to go up to a white house, leave it to instead take a grassy path forking right (Arran Coastal Way signpost), climbing uphill to the right of a ruined house. As the path approaches the edge of birch woodland, follow it as it forks left to ascend towards a telegraph pole. At this point it turns right onto a newly constructed section of path, running along beneath the line of poles.

Stage 3

The made section of path avoids what was once extremely wet ground, but when the path ends the going becomes very muddy in places. The route continues by the line of poles at first before descending and re-ascending through the attractive birchwoods. Care is needed to stay on route at times as the path can be faint - look out for old yellow paint daubs on trees. The route loses some height and crosses several small burns; it runs across an uncomfortably steep slopes at times.

Stage 4

Eventually the white cottages of Catacol come into view along the road far below. Continue on the path which does not finally descend until the far end of the cottages, keeping close to the line of poles once more. Cross the stile onto the track at the bottom of the slope, and bear right to reach the road. The Coastal Way continues along the road to the left, but you could make a short detour to the right past the Twelve Apostles cottages to visit the Catacol Inn if you wish.

Stage 5

The route now follows the coast road for a long way, but the fast walking may be a relief after the struggles of the Postie's path! Cross the road bridge at the foot of Glen Catacol - where there is a bench - and follow the road as it curves round to pass beneath the woods along the base of Am Badan.

Stage 6

An Arran Coastal Way sign indicates a short section where the official route runs along the shore near Rubha Airigh Bheirg, but it rejoins the road further on. Continue past an old burial ground and then along below the houses at Thundergay.

Stage 7

At Rubha Ban, there is the opportunity to avoid a stretch of road by following a detour footpath (signed) that climbs inland a short way before descending at the centre of the village. Otherwise continue along the road, passing the distinctive prefab Free Church, then the school and finally reaching the cafe and shop at the centre of Pirnmill.

Stage 8

Continue along the road for a further kilometre, until a grassy path forks off to the right past a children's swing. The path leads to a bench overlooking a pebble beach, but the route of the Arran Coastal Way continues round the rough shoreline from here to Whitefarland Point. Further on a small burn is crossed, then where the woods sweep right down to the shore there is a section of boulder-hopping to negotiate - note the old graveyard to the left here.

Stage 9

Awkward progress along the rocky shore continues briefly before a faint path is picked up and grass between the rocks improves the terrain. The route now passes beneath low cliffs, and there are a couple of small caves. Beyond these the path reaches a stile and rejoins the road where it descends the hill south of the cottages of Imachar. There are no facilities here; if looking for accommodation at this point, it is important to try to time your finish to coincide with a passing bus, or arrange a pick up from this point.

Next stage: Imachar to Blackwaterfoot

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