recommended route
Tayinloan to Carradale
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Arran ViewsPhoto: Robbie Thurley, Macs Adventure
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
The start of this route follows the main road for approximately 1km. There is no pavement here so please take care and walk on the right-hand side of the road facing any oncoming vehicles - take to the grass verge whenever possible.
When passing through the forest on tracks remember that large vehicles may be using them at times so always find a safe spot to give way and let them pass with plenty of room.
Tips and hints
Points of interest
Isle of Gigha
From Taylinloan there are great views of Gigha and there's the possibiltity of taking a boat trip to the island from the village pier. Gigha is a low-lying island with an interesting history, unspoiled scenery and a coastline around 30 miles long. It has an abundance of wildlife including seabirds, dolphins, seals and otters. Creag Bhan is the highest point on the island at only 100m (330ft) but offers walkers amazing panoramic views across to Jura, Islay, Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland, the Mull of Kintyre and Arran. Ferries take only 20 minutes to cross the Sound of Gigha and leave regulary throughout the day from Tayinloan pier.
https://www.calmac.co.uk/article/2970/Gigha-Tayinloan---Gigha
Food & Drink
There is a Post Office and Store in Tayinloan then nothing until you reach Carradale so make sure to stock up on provisions before leaving Tayinloan. Make sure to bring plenty of food and water with you for the day. On reaching Carradale you'll find it has a Paterson's Bakery and a Post Office along with a couple of hotels serving food - the Carradale Hotel and Ashbank Hotel.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
(At the time of writing, and during the summer months, the original route that crosses a short section of coastline from Tayinloan was too overgrown after heading away from the shore. You're welcome to try this section if the path is not overgrown as it's well signposted, but please be aware that you may have to turn back and follow the alternative start below.)
0.00 km – Begin with your back to the door of Tayinloan Store and TURN RIGHT then immediately TURN LEFT to join the main road in the direction of Campbeltown. There is no pavement on this section and some fast moving traffic so please take care and walk on the right-hand side towards any oncoming vehicles, taking to the grass verge when you can.
1.10 km – TURN LEFT to cross the road at the blue waymarker then follow the gravel vehicle track up hill.
1.40 km – BEAR LEFT at the split in the track to continue up hill.
2.10 km – Cross the cattle grid and continue STRAIGHT ON.
2.90 km – After a steady climb the track now levels out for a while, follow the track to continue STRAIGHT ON.
3.70 km – Continue STRAIGHT ON as you pass ruined farm buildings on your right. The track now climbs again as you walk through a conifer plantation for 2.7 km. Keep an eye out for red deer here.
6.40 km – Leave the woodland behind and continue STRAIGHT ON as you approach the windmills of Deucheran Hill Wind Farm.
8.20 km – Cross another cattle grid and continue STRAIGHT ON into the wind farm.
9.00 km – TURN LEFT at the junction with the blue waymarker.
10.10 km – Continue STRAIGHT ON as you pass by the windmills.
10.40 km – Continue STRAIGHT ON the track as it begins to descend towards Carradale Glen.
11.40 km – You may catch views of Ben Cruachan (1126 m) at this point as you continue descending down the, now tarmac, road.
12.50 km – At the junction, BEAR LEFT.
14.10 km – 200m after crossing the bridge over Carradale Water, TURN RIGHT at the junction.
17.50 km – After you pass Brackley Farm TURN RIGHT at the junction onto the minor road. Although it’s a quiet road there’s no pavement so be mindful of any traffic.
18.30 km – TURN LEFT at Grianain picnic area then take the middle track following the blue way marker. Head up hill on the narrow path through woodland.
18.80 km – Continue STRAIGHT ON at the junction to gain views of Arran ahead as you crest the hill.
19.20 km – TURN RIGHT to follow a stony track up hill.
20.20 km – Continue STRAIGHT ON at the junction.
20.30 km – TURN RIGHT towards the blue waymarker to ascend following a narrow grassy/rocky trail.
20.60 km – On your left there is a short trail you can take to a picnic bench and look-out point with panoramic views of Arran. Otherwise continue STRAIGHT ON.
21.00 km – At the junction continue STRAIGHT ON to descend, following the sign for Carradale.
22.30 km – TURN RIGHT onto the vehicle track, soon passing football pitches on your left.
22.70 km – TURN LEFT at the junction to head towards Carradale.
23.00 km – At the junction with the main road opposite the Primary School TURN LEFT to walk into the centre of Carradale Village for the hotels and bakery.
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