The Coastal Path

Approximately 2 miles · 45 minutes at a leisurely pace

Starting in front of the Centre for World Peace and Health (1), the walk follows the coastline southward. After passing the Information Centre — where you can usually enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee — the path leads through newly planted trees, climbing slightly past bracken and gorse with beautiful views of Arran’s mountains.

About halfway down, a small sign points up some steps to the cave where St. Molaise lived (2), followed shortly by the Holy Well (3). For centuries people have come to drink its cold, clear water for the healing powers it is said to possess.

Further south are several rock paintings depicting deities and teachers of the Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism — White Tara, Green Tara, Milarepa, Marpa, Gampopa, Buddha Shakyamuni and Dusum Khyenpa (4).

The path continues past a native woodland area to the Inner Light Retreat (5), a closed Buddhist retreat whose gardens are not open to the public. The path ends at Pillar Rock Lighthouse — beyond this point the terrain is unsafe and there is no access. The whole east side of the island is a Nature Reserve.

The Mountain Walk

2–4 hours · Strenuous

A longer and more strenuous walk leads to the top of the mountain. Starting from the gap in the dry stone walling next to the north end jetty, the path veers right between the two prayer flags to the top of the field, where wooden stiles lead into the newly planted native woodland (6).

The path climbs to the top of Mullach Beag (7), 759ft above sea level, then slopes down before rising again to the windswept crest of Mullach Mor (8), 1026ft above sea level. Caution is needed on the loose scree. The climb down is steep and passes hidden crevasses marked with blue ropes — please keep carefully to the path at all times.

The path eventually joins the coastal path in the south, making a full circuit of the island. The complete walk takes most people between two and four hours.