Whiting Bay to Brodick: Waterfall route

Summary

The final stage of the Arran Coastal Way has two options from Whiting Bay - this variant is easier underfoot and climbs up through woodland to visit the dramatic Glenashdale Falls. It then follows forestry tracks with good views to Lamlash, where the coastal variant is joined. After passing through this picturesque village it follows the shore for the final coastal walk round Clauchlands Point to return to Brodick.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Woodland path, steep in places, stony forestry track, road through Lamlash, coastal path can be wet and rough in places.

Public Transport

Whiting Bay, Lamlash and Brodick are all well by bus. Brodick is the terminal for ferries to Ardrossan on the mainland.

Start

Ashdale Bridge, Whiting Bay. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 19km / 11.75 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 310m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS046252

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Accommodation

Stage 1

Take the Glenashdale Falls path which leaves from the south side of Ashdale Bridge on the A841 and the south end of Whiting Bay. Follow the track past a couple of houses and a vehicle barrier. Ignore the signed path off to the Giant's Graves and continue ahead through woodland alongside the Glenashdale Burn.

Stage 2

A steep climb, including a small footbridge, leads to the Falls and overhanging viewing platform. There are two main waterfalls in the series and the original gaelic name is Eas a' Chrannaig. Continue on the path beyond the viewing platform and at the signed path junction turn left signed Giants Graves and soon at the T junction turn right signed Whiting Bay. The Coastal Way now follows these forestry tracks all the way to Lamlash.

Stage 3

After a bridge keep right and then turn right at the signed T junction and follow the sign for Lamlash at the next junction. As the trees here have been felled there are good views down to Whiting Bay and ahead to Holy Island. Keep on the main track as it undulates and heads back through forestry before descending on more open ground.

Stage 4

Here the views open up to the hills of Beinn Bhreac and A' Chruach ahead. Ignore the signed footpaths to the left and continue down the track, ignoring a track to the right to eventually reach the bridge over the Monamore Burn. Turn right (Dyemill car park and picnic area are on the left) to soon reach the road.

Stage 5

Turn right and follow this to the A841 and turn left to follow the road past houses, over Arranton Bridge and past the school to reach the shops and facilities of Lamlash. Continue through the village, passing the pier for Holy Island (well worth a trip and a walk if time permits). When the main road for Brodick swings left, keep ahead on the minor road towards Clauchlands Point. It passes some fine villas and lots of benches from which to admire the view.

Stage 6

Continue past the outdoor centre to reach a parking area where the road bends inland. Leave it here, heading through a gate and following a track out to Clauchlands Point, where there is a seat. The track turns sharply uphill here (for Dun Fionn); take the path that forks right to remain closer to the coastline. Another signed path goes off left up towards Dun Fionn - it is an alternative route for very high tide when there may be flooding of the main route near Corriegills; otherwise ignore it and stay on the coastal path.

Stage 7

Soon there are grand views ahead to distant Goatfell - a reminder that the end of the journey is coming closer. The path slowly becomes more rugged, and crosses several boggy areas, before eventually reaching the houses near Corriegills Point. Keep right onto the track, then take the main left fork uphill once past the first buidlings. The lane climbs uphill, weaving past another whitewashed cottage.

Stage 8

Continue up the track until it turns sharp left; at this point continue ahead on a signed footpath through the copse of trees. Follow the path as it dog-legs left and then right over a stile. Cross another stile and keep straight ahead through two fields to further stiles. After the second of these the path turns right (signpost) downhill alongside the near edge of the pasture, then left to keep along the bottom edge of the pasture above the hedgerows. Pass through a gap in the hedges and then turn right downhill again to reach a stile at the end of the Strathwhillan Road.

Stage 9

Turn left along this minor road. It eventually leads out to the main road on the south edge of Brodick. Turn right down this to reach the main seafront and the end of the Arran Coastal Way. The ferry terminal is to your right, but Brodick's facilities, bars, cafes and restaurants beckon for a celebration.

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