Arran Whisky Heritage Walk

Join Gregor Adamson, author of Arran Water: An Island Whisky History, for a guided walk uncovering the rich whisky heritage of the Isle of Arran. Following a scenic coastal route around the island's southern coast, this tour explores significant historical sites tied to early whisky production and the clandestine smuggling trade, offering a unique glimpse into Arran's storied past.

Alongside whisky history, the walk features a visit to Arran's largest cave, opportunities to observe local wildlife—including seals and otters—and stunning coastal views.

Overview

Distance: 13km

Highest point: 110m

Total Ascent: 260m

Walk Duration: 4-5hrs plus extra time for whisky tasting!

Terrain: Rough coastal paths, moving through large boulder fields, gravel tracks, some short sections of public road
and forestry tracks.

Technical Rating Moderate / Challenging

Endurance Rating  2

Cost  £30

Date Sunday 18th May 2025

Meeting Time 07:45

Meeting Place Festival Hub at the Auchrannie Playbarn. Transport to the start & finish of  this walk is provided
from there.

Walk description

This walk begins in Kildonan, heading west toward Kilmory along a section of the coastal way around Bennan Head. Starting on a gravel path, this stretch offers excellent chances to spot seals along the shoreline. The trail soon becomes more rugged, leading across beaches, boulders, and boggy terrain before entering a large boulder field. Here, some quite challenging scrambling over large rocks is required, and timing is essential, as parts of this section are cut off at high tide. Approaching Arran's largest cave, the atmospheric Black Cave, walkers are dwarfed by the tall cliffs of Bennan Head, which lend the landscape a wild, dramatic feel.

Beyond the Black Cave, the route continues along the potentially very boggy shoreline for 2 km (with no formal path), passing impressive waterfalls and, on a clear day, offering impressive views of the Ayrshire Coast, Kintyre and Northern Ireland. Upon reaching Meador Burn, the trail heads inland, tracing the historic paths once travelled by smugglers and excise officers up to Shannochie Moor, the site of their notable clash on March 25, 1817. The walk then explores old structures and sites around Kilmory connected to the original distilling in the south end of Arran before returning to the coast with the opportunity to visit the Neolithic cairn at Torlin.

The journey concludes along the public road from Lagg to the recently opened Lagg Distillery, tying Arran’s whisky history to its vibrant present.

Good boots are very strongly advised for this walk which despite not rising far above sea level, does include some challenging terrain.  

This walk is organised by the Arran Mountain Festival, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC 052229, supported by Auchrannie Leisure Ltd.