The Arran Coastal Way
A 65-mile circular trail around the edge of "Scotland in miniature" — and right on Stage 1, a warm Scottish welcome waiting at The Corrie Hotel.
A path around the whole island, and a warm welcome at the end of the first day
The Arran Coastal Way circles the entire Isle of Arran, staying close to the shoreline for most of its length while climbing inland at a few points to take in the best of the island's scenery — including an optional ascent of Goatfell, Arran's highest peak. Waymarked throughout, the route is officially recognised as one of Scotland's Great Trails, a status it earned in June 2017.
Most walkers complete the full circuit over a week, broken into the eight stages below. If you're walking Stage 1, you'll finish the day right on the doorstep of The Corrie Hotel. It sits on the route in Corrie village, and it's where a lot of Coastal Way walkers choose to spend their first night. Non-resident walkers are always welcome to stop and enjoy their drinks, snacks and meals.
Stage by stage
Eight waymarked stages link every village on the island — Stage 1 brings you straight past our door.
| Stage | Distance | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Brodick to Sannox (via Goatfell, or low-level route)The Corrie Hotel is on this stage | 12–15.5 km | 3.5–8 hrs |
| 2. Sannox to Lochranza (Cock of Arran) | 14.5 km | 4.5–6 hrs |
| 3. Lochranza to Imachar | 14.5 km | 4.5–5.5 hrs |
| 4. Imachar to Blackwaterfoot | 14.5 km | 4.5–6 hrs |
| 5. Blackwaterfoot to Lagg | 12 km | 3.5–4 hrs |
| 6. Lagg to Whiting Bay (coastal or inland option) | 15–19 km | 6–9 hrs |
| 7. Whiting Bay to Lamlash | 10 km | 2.5–3.5 hrs |
| 8. Lamlash to Brodick | 8 km | 2–2.5 hrs |
Distances and times vary slightly by source and route variant (coastal vs. inland alternatives on stages 1 and 6). Always check current stage notes before setting out.
Your first night on the trail starts here
Stage 1 is the one every walker remembers — up and over Goatfell (or along the quieter low-level path), down through the village of Corrie, and on to Sannox. Right in the heart of that stretch, looking straight out over the water, sits The Corrie Hotel.
- Directly on the route — step off the path and in the door.
- Hearty menus and a well-kept bar for walkers refuelling after a big day.
- Easy onward links by bus if you'd rather base yourself here a night or two.
- Luggage storage and drying space for wet boots and packs.
The Corrie Hotel
Traditional Scottish hospitality on the shore of Corrie village.
Check availabilityWhat you'll see along the way
A taste of the route's best-known landmarks, in the order most walkers reach them.
Goatfell
An optional first-day ascent of Arran's highest peak (874m), with a low-level alternative for poorer weather.
Cock of Arran
A remote, dramatic stretch of raised beaches and rocky shoreline between Sannox and Lochranza.
Lochranza Castle
A ruined 13th-century castle beside the sea loch, in a village also known for red deer and its distillery.
King's Cave
One of several caves on the west coast linked to the legend of Robert the Bruce, near Blackwaterfoot.
Glenashdale Falls
An optional climb inland from Whiting Bay to a spectacular twin waterfall, before descending to Lamlash.
Otters, seals & eagles
Walkers regularly report otters, seals, golden eagles and seabirds along the shoreline sections.
Practical information
Difficulty & terrain
Waymarked throughout but genuinely demanding in places. Expect everything from easy footpath and quiet road-walking to rough, pathless scrambling over tidal boulderfields — particularly around Bennan Head and Dippen Head, where an inland alternative avoids the toughest ground.
Getting to Arran
- Ferry from Ardrossan (Ayrshire) to Brodick — reachable by train or bus from Glasgow.
- Seasonal ferry from Claonaig (Kintyre) to Lochranza, for starting or finishing at the north end.
- Once on the island, a regular bus service links the start and end of every stage.
Accommodation along the route
Hotels, B&Bs, hostels and campsites are spread around the island at Brodick, Corrie, Sannox, Lochranza, Pirnmill, Blackwaterfoot, Lagg, Kildonan, Whiting Bay and Lamlash. In Corrie, at the end of Stage 1, The Corrie Hotel is the obvious place to stop — see the spotlight above.
When to go & tides
Late spring to early autumn generally offers the best conditions. Some low-lying shoreline sections can be impassable at high tide, so check tide times before setting out on the coastal alternatives.
Book your Stage 1 stop at The Corrie Hotel
Whether you're walking the whole Way or just Stage 1, we're right on the route in Corrie village — good food, a warm bar and a comfortable bed waiting at the end of the day.
Check availability at The Corrie Hotel