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

Technical Rating

Moderate/Challenging  

Easy scrambling, elements of exposure, some rough terrain, but with some optional sections of more exposed scrambling for which surefootedness and a head for heights is required.

Endurance Rating

2  

Long distance, some steep ascent and descent, moderate amount of stamina needed in bursts, suitable for reasonably fit walkers. Have had recent experience of walking for 5-7 hours? Have you recently walked up (and down) hills without physical too much distress? If your answer is "No", we'd guess you'd be happier doing a walk rated a level lower than the one you’ve just read! As noted previously, we're into FUN so we don't want you to miss out by overdoing it.

 | Photo Gallery

 | 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.

Route Profile

 | Advised Kit List