View of Pladda Island and Ailsa Craig from Kildonan Beach
View of Pladda Island and Ailsa Craig from Kildonan Beach
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View of Pladda Island and Ailsa Craig from Kildonan Beach
Hiking
5.0
(17)
Tips
September 2, 2020
Hiking
February 7, 2017
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near View of Pladda Island and Ailsa Craig from Kildonan Beach
3.6
(5)
15
hikers
The Kildonan & Giants' Graves loop on the Isle of Arran offers a diverse hiking experience, combining woodland paths with open views to the sea. This moderate 9.5-mile (15.3 km) loop involves a total elevation gain of 1424 feet (434 metres) and typically takes around 4 hours and 28 minutes to complete. You'll traverse beautiful forests, including a notable initial climb to the unique Library in the Woods, a charming log cabin nestled by the Eas Mor waterfall. While some sections are well-kept, be prepared for steep descents and potentially boggy paths, especially around Loch Garbad, making hiking boots essential. The varied landscape truly earns Arran its nickname, "Scotland in Miniature."
To best enjoy this moderate hike, ensure you have good fitness levels and wear appropriate hiking boots, as some sections can be wet underfoot. The trail involves a steady uphill climb to the Glenashdale Falls, with a particularly steep part just before reaching them. While the research doesn't specify trailhead access or parking, planning your visit to the Isle of Arran will likely involve ferry travel. Always check local conditions before you set out, especially concerning weather and trail maintenance.
What truly sets this loop apart are its distinctive landmarks, blending natural beauty with historical intrigue and quirky charm. You'll discover the Eas Mor Library, a hidden gem where you can browse books and leave messages in a secluded log cabin by the impressive 103-foot Eas Mor waterfall. Further along, explore the ancient Giants' Graves, two Neolithic chambered tombs that offer expansive views over Whiting Bay and Holy Island. These partially ruined cairns add a historical dimension, with legends linking them to the Irish war-leader Fionn mac Cumhaill.
4.3
(3)
14
hikers
16.5km
04:12
60m
60m
Embark on a moderate hike along the Kildonan to Lagg section of the Arran Coastal Way, a diverse route spanning 10.2 miles (16.5 km) with an elevation gain of 187 feet (57 metres). This journey typically takes around 4 hours and 12 minutes to complete. You'll experience a mix of unpaved paths, rocky shorelines, and sandy beaches, offering stunning coastal views. From Kildonan Beach, you can enjoy spellbinding vistas of the islands of Pladda, with its lighthouse, and Ailsa Craig, a distinctive volcanic plug. Be prepared for sections that involve scrambling over boulders and potentially muddy terrain, especially after rain. You may also encounter cattle in some fields along the way.
Before you set out, it is crucial to check tide times, as certain sections of the trail, particularly around Bennan Head, can become impassable at high tide. A signed diversion route is available if needed, or you can choose to follow the road inland to avoid the rocky shore. Similarly, at Kildonan, you have the option to continue along the coast or head inland on forestry tracks. This ensures you can tailor your hike to current conditions and your preferred challenge level.
This section of the Arran Coastal Way is rich in geological wonders and wildlife. You'll observe striking black basalt dykes extending into the sea, formed from ancient volcanic activity, and the Kildonan shore is considered one of the best examples of a "dyke swarm" globally. Keep an eye out for seals basking on rocks and the chance to spot otters in the area. The route also passes Torrylin Cairn, the remains of an ancient chambered cairn, adding a touch of history to your coastal adventure.
5.0
(5)
25
hikers
5.49km
01:36
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 10 m
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Tuesday 9 June
14°C
7°C
68 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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