King’s Cave Loop Walk, Blackwaterfoot
Distance: 4-5km Time: 1-1/2 hours
Terrain: Woodland tracks, aggregate footpaths, rocky paths.
Difficulty: Easy / Medium
Walk to see the Kings Cave and be inspired
Visit the site that lays claim to being where an exiled Robert the Bruce, seeking refuge from the English, was inspired by a spider battling against the odds to spin a web. This spiders actions restored Roberts motivation and he continued his campaign which ultimately lead to his victory in the Battle of Bannockburn 1314.
Our Map
The Route
The walk starts from a signed forestry car park north of Blackwaterfoot near Crochandoon. Begin by heading along a winding path from the left hand corner, past the sign.
This walk is a loop and can be completed either a clockwise or anticlockwise the choice is yours. We prefer clockwise
The path starts in the forest on a clear gravel path continue along this path until you get to a gate. After the gate the path starts to descend towards the shoreline with a fantastic vista looking south along the coastline.
The path now starts to descend more steeply and can be challenging in the rain. At the foot of the slope you will reach a signpost indicating the Arran Coastal Path to the left which will take you along the coast towards Blackwaterfoot. We will take the right along the coastline.
Continue along the coast and after a short distance the caves will begin to appear in the cliffs to the right. King’s Cave, is easily identified by the large metal gate protecting the entrance.
The gate is usually left unlocked and it is possible to explore the cavernous interior and the ancient carvings contained within. Upon leaving the cave turn right and continue along the coast passing a few more caves to the right and continue along the foreshore beyond.
You will eventually reach a gate at which the path starts to ascend steeply through a rocky gully. As you reach the top and the path levels out you find yourself back next to the forestry again.
Continue along the path taking in the view of the Pirnmill Hills, and across the Kilbrannan Sound to the Kintyre peninsula to your left.
The path turns right into the trees and as you near the carpark it passes the site of a hut circle. Continue along the path and it will eventually re-emerge at the car park at the start.
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