348 am Tarbert to Claonaig (Kintyre)

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Ruth Livingstone

It’s the last week in February and the BBC forecast looks reasonable. So I decide to take a few days away from the new grandchild, and get walking again.

I originally planned to ferry-hop over to Kintyre, via Arran. Unfortunately, because it’s the winter season, the ferry service is too limited to make this a practical option. So, yesterday I drove around to Tarbert from Glasgow – a 2.5 hour journey along the banks of Loch Lomond (yes, it really is very bonny) and then along the banks of Loch Fyne.

Despite a gloomy start to the morning, Tarbert is beautiful.

01 Tarbert Harbour, Ruth's coastal walk, Kintyre

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347 pm Lochranza to Sannox

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Ruth Livingstone

The walking is easier now, along a flat strip of land between hills and the sea.

27 north coast of Arran, Ruth hiking the coast of Scotland

Small streams cross the path at frequent intervals, but someone has created channels lined with rocks, and the streams are easy to step over. Continue reading →

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347 am Lochranza to Sannox

Posted on April 2, 2018 by Ruth Livingstone

[This was my final day of walking on Arran, and I completed this section in October. Due to various reasons – and partly due to my reluctance to ‘finish’ with Arran – I’ve only just got round to writing it up!]

The forecast predicts rain and winds, but nothing like the gales of yesterday. Just as well, because today I’m about to tackle one of the hardest stretches of the Arran Coastal Way – the north coast.

I confess to feeling nervous. This part of the Coastal Way has a reputation for being rock-scramblingly tough. Seven to eight miles of difficult walking lie ahead, and with no easy route off the path once I start. Can I really do this?

Luckily, when I arrive in Lochranza, the sea looks calm, the sun is shining – and I immediately feel optimistic. Yes, I can do this.

01 Loch Ranza, Ruth walking the Arran Coastal Way

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346 pm Sannox to Brodick

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Ruth Livingstone

I’m walking through Merkland Wood. It nestles against the lower southern slopes of Goatfell, and is a popular walking area, although I don’t meet anyone up here. Plenty of signposts…

27 woodland walk, Arran Coastal Way, Ruth hiking to Brodick

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346 am Sannox to Brodick

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Ruth Livingstone

It’s the beginning of October and the BBC forecast promises two clear days with no rain. Time for one last trip to Arran before the winter sets in…

…only you should never trust the Scottish weather. Overnight, the forecast changes, and on my first morning I’m greeted by 40 mph winds and stormy showers. At least the rainbow looks bright over Brodick.

01 Broddick on a stormy day, Ruth Livingstone on the Isle of Arran

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345 Imachar to Lochranza

Posted on September 30, 2017 by Ruth Livingstone

It is my final day walking on Arran. And may be the last for some time, as I must get home for my middle daughter’s wedding, and then be around for my eldest daughter and the birth of my first grandchild.

Luckily, it’s another beautiful day. The bus is full of round-the-island sightseers, and the driver is surprised when I ask him to drop me off on a corner in the middle of nowhere.

01 bus drop off at Imachur, Ruth's coastal walk, Arran

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344 Blackwaterfoot to Imachar

Posted on September 11, 2017 by Ruth Livingstone

On a beautiful, clear morning, I park by the shore near Machrie, and catch the bus back to Blackwaterfoot. The harbour looks very attractive.

01 Blackwaterfoot, Ruth's coastal walk around the Isle of Arran

Today is a walk of two halves. The first half is glorious, the second half… well, it will turn out to be a bit of a slog. But let’s start at the beginning… Continue reading →

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343 Lagg to Blackwaterfoot

Posted on September 9, 2017 by Ruth Livingstone

This morning I park my car at Blackwaterfoot and catch the bus back to Lagg. The first section of today’s walk follows the road. Great views over the countryside, with Ailsa Craig a constant feature on the horizon.

01 Ruth Livingstone walking from Lagg, Arran Coastal Way, Scotland

I decide not to take the first path down to the shore. The official Arran Coastal Way sticks to the road anyway, until you reach the village of Sliddery.  Continue reading →

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342 Kildonan to Lagg

Posted on September 8, 2017 by Ruth Livingstone

The Kildonan Hotel overlooks Pladda Island. In the distance (just to the left of the island) is the misty shape of Ailsa Craig. The hotel garden is dominated by a circle of sculpted stones.

01 Pladda from Kildonan, Ruth's coastal walk around the Isle of Arran

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341 Whiting Bay to Kildonan

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Ruth Livingstone

My starting point in Whiting Bay is the path up to the Glenashdale Falls. By the track, a group of four walkers are putting on their boots and strapping on rucksacks. I hesitate, because I hate being overtaken. Should I wait and let them go first? But they spend so long sorting out their kit, I give up and set off.

01 footpath to Glenashdale Falls, Ruth hiking on the Isle of Arran

I’ve just had another bad night, with a persistent cough and muscle pains. So this morning I’ve made two decisions. Continue reading →

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