Kildonan Coastal Walk

Love Arran

Kildonan Coastal Walk, Kildonan

Distance: 4.2km Time: 2 hours

Terrain: Roads, Rough tracks & Stoney to Sandy beaches

Difficulty: Medium

Enjoy the Wildlife on the Scenic Coast

Take a walk along the majestic and rocky shoreline below cliffs with the opportunity to see marine wildlife at close quarters. This walk incorporates the best locations for seal watching we have found on the Isle of Arran, Scotland.

The Route

Kildonan is located on the south coast of the Isle of Arran and takes its name from Saint Donan a Gaelic Priest from Ireland who is believed to have been buried in the area.

As you drive along the Kildonan coast you will soon reach a large rocky outcrop with a carpark in front of it just opposite the town hall.

The walk starts from this car park.

Head along the road to the west towards a war memorial that is built into the rocks. As the main road turns sharply to the right inland take the minor road that branches left. Take the road as it heads towards Kildonan’s former post office and shop, watch out for the dog on top of the post to your right and transformer attached to the garage on the left (if they are still there). You will eventually reach a gate through it is a narrow footpath to continue along.

 

From this point you could even just make your own way along the Kildonan coast and back as the path is clear and obvious. Striking waterfalls can be seen tumbling over the cliffs to the right. Unusual rock formations can be seen at this point, jutting out from the sandy beach into the sea like the backs of giant lizards or dragons.

Common seals bask and laze around on these Rocks often in large groups. Information boards along this walk advise you not to disturb the seals by climbing along the rocks.

 Pass an information board which details the varied wildlife to look out for along this section of coast. Follow the path across the grassy section of the beach with the steep cliffs to the right and the beach to the left. In the winter this area can be a bit boggy so there are steppingstones located at points along the walk.

 The rockpools formed in the tidal areas are a unique habitat and great place to spot sea creatures and plants. Just before reaching Struey Rocks (where the path disappears, and the area becomes full of large boulders) turn around and head back. You could carry on a bit but the going becomes quite difficult here in comparison to the rest of the walk.

The walk back opens up some spectacular panoramic views incorporating Ailsa Craig and the Island of Pladda with its iconic lighthouse.

Retrace your steps back along the coast to the Car park.

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