As my initial request dates are unavailable, Jackie has went above and beyond, looking at alternative dates to ensure my walk will go ahead. A big thank you to Jackie and the EasyWays team.
– William
Route Stops
Sail to Arran and stay overnight in Brodick. Brodick is the main town on Arran and is the main commercial centre and ferry port. The town offers a wide range of tourist facilities and services, including eating out and shopping. Once the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, Brodick Castle houses a glorious collection of furniture, with some pieces dating as far back as the 17th century. The garden, created in 1923 by the Duchess of Montrose, has been lovingly restored and the grounds contain numerous paths offering great views of the island, and the chance of seeing red squirrels.
A fairly easy beginning to the walk along Fisherman’s Walk to the small community at Cladach. At this point there is the option to climb to the summit of Goatfell (874m) or take the lower route through Merkland Wood through High Corrie and on to by the coastal road. Goatfell is recommended for fit walkers, who are competent in navigation but it’s not advisable in bad weather or low cloud. Also note that there are no Waymarkers once you enter the National Trust for Scotland land or on Goatfell itself.
Some say the best section of the Way, commencing with a lovely section of coastal footpath that leads up to the Forestry Commission site at North Sannox. A forestry track then continues to follow the coast until Fallen Rocks is reached and replaced by a smaller footpath that is generally good, but can be difficult in inclement weather. Pass the testing An Scriodan boulder field to reach the recently upgraded footpath and continue on to Netwon Shore to Lochranza.
Sail to Claonaig. Follow a minor road north to the small village of Skipness, then continue on the forest track. This route descends giving good views over Loch Fyne. Reaching Tarbert Castle then heading south-west towards the picturesque harbour of Tarbert.
Arrive by public transport. Start with a lovely coastal section from Tayinloan and then climb through open countryside and forestry to Deucheran Hill where there is a wind farm. The second half of the section descends to the open glen at Brackley before ascending another forested hill to emerge with coastal views over Arran and then make your way down to Carradale.
You have the option to sail to Islay (2 overnights minimum stay) to explore this stunning island, known as the ‘whisky coast’ of West Scotland. A further option would be to visit the gorgeously untamed island of Jura. Or why not include a trip to Gigha? Attractions on the island include Achamore Gardens and the abundant wildlife, especially seabirds.
Clyde Islands
From: 31 miles / 50 km
This tour embraces the Inner Hebrides located off the south-west coast of Scotland with the opportunity to experience a selection of islands including the islands of Arran, Gigha, Islay, Jura and the Kintyre and Argyll Peninsulas
This tour offers a combination of options intended to deliver a package to match all walker expectations. Just advise what locations you would like to visit, along with your preferred dates for walking and let us construct a tour to deliver a bespoke itinerary utilising public transport connections throughout, thereby keeping the price to optimum level.
All tours include limited baggage transfer with detailed advice on how to get to and from the start and end points of your chosen route.
A typical example tour might begin in Arran and end in Islay or alternatively make Tarbert your start point, visit Gigha and take in Campbeltown in the south of Kintyre before returning north with a ferry crossing to Portavadie on Argyll.
Specially selected local walking routes have been identified each day supported by GPS Mapping for use in your mobile device giving you the choice of a short 3 day break or anything up to 10 days.
The islands have reasonable public transport access from Central Scotland and the terrain offers a good mix of coastal and hill walking.
Arran
The beautiful Island of Arran, often described as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ compresses the best of Scottish scenery into its petite size of only 20 miles long by 10 miles wide.
Kintyre
Kintyre offers a variety of landscapes from tiny fishing villages to extensive conifer forests, fine coastlines, open hills and moors. The narrow peninsula means that the sea is never far away with superb views over the surrounding islands
Islay, Jura and Gigha
You have the option a short crossing to experience the tranquillity of Gigha, a longer sail to Islay, renowned for the number of distilleries or time on to the untamed island of Jura, once home to George Orwell while he wrote the novel, 1984.
Quality Accommodation
Door to Door Baggage Transfer (max 18kg)
Rucksack Readers Guide Book
Location Details For Each Accommodation
Travel Information from start to finish
Sugguested Equipment List
Route Packages
What’s included?
- 3 – 10 nights’ accommodation for 2 people sharing in quality B&Bs, guest houses, inns and hotels
- Breakfast each day
- Door to door baggage transfer to each stage – maximum 18 kg per bag
- Downloadable GPS route guides of your selected route(s)
- GPS Mapping App detailing full tour and accommodations
- Travel information to the start and from the finish of the walk
- Suggested equipment list
- Emergency support
What’s not included?
- Evening meals, packed lunches and drinks
- Ferry Travel
- Travel insurance
First established in 1996, EasyWays has built a strong reputation with the UK and International walking community in the delivery of walking tours throughout Scotland.
The template of every successful business is grounded in long term relationships, and EasyWays, along with our accommodation providers and baggage transfer companies work as one to ensure your walk experience is both enjoyable and memorable.
As a Scottish based company we are close at hand to the walking routes and pride ourselves in delivering a bespoke service – tell us what you would like and we will build an itinerary to match.
