Laggan Coastal Geology & Heritage Walk

Explore Arran's fascinating geology along the north coast of the island. Run in conjunction with the Arran Geopark.

Overview

Distance 12km

Highest Point Gained 263m – Bearradh Tom a’ Muidhe

Total Ascent 350m

Walk Duration 6hrs

Terrain Rough hill and coastal paths. One steep ascent and a short very steep descent along a grassy path. Circa 250m long section of clambering over sometimes slippery boulders – sure-footedness and good balance required.

Technical Rating Moderate

Endurance Rating 2

Cost £25

Date Monday 19th May 2025

Meeting Time 08.45

Meeting Place Lochranza (exact location will be confirmed upon booking)

Walk description

This circular walks passes some of Arran’s iconic geological sites, and takes in stunning mountain and coastal
views with good chances of spotting wildlife.

Starting in Lochranza bay, the route leaves the village via the Narachan track, which soon turns into a rough hill path climbing high above the Boguillie road with spectacular views opening up south to the mountains. The path winds its way up to the highest point of the walk, a small pass from which follows a steep descent towards the coast at Laggan cottage. There are brilliant views of the Clyde, with the atmospheric ruins of the abandoned Cock farm adding to the interest of this stretch.

Heading west along the Arran Coastal Way from lonely Laggan cottage, crumbling traces of Arran’s industrial past are encountered. A fascinating highlight of the route is a fossilised trackway of the largest invertebrate to have ever lived on land.

Next there is Ossian’s cave to explore, before back on the Coastal Way, a clamber across An Scriodan rockfall brings
the walker ever closer to Lochranza.

The final geological highlight of the day is Hutton’s Unconformity, a famous rock outcrop which helped shape the
understanding of the immense age of our planet, and the revolutionary concept of “deep time”. Having pondered this, the picturesque Newton Shore road is reached and followed back around the edge of the bay to the starting point of the walk.