Walking Tours
With Graham & Dusty (a gorgeous Red Setter)
Spurred on by many who meet me on the trails, I now offer to take individuals or small groups on walks around the forests north of Brodick.
The particular routes include:
Cnocan Gorge • The Start of the Glen Rosa Trails • The Hamilton Trail, Ryden Trail, Charcoal Kiln Trail and others • Merkland (inc Dan's Trail and Merkland Gorge • Brodick Castle Gardens
Highlights include:
Many species of birdlife. Red Squirrels. Hares. Flora from around the world. Occasional Highland Cattle and some horses.
The purpose of the tours is simply to show visitors the diversity of our forests. I am not an expert of flora, but I am very knowledgeable when it comes to the trails and routes,... and somewhat of a bird watcher.
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Quick Notes
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Please note that if you are intending to bring a dog, my own dog Dusty is a fully intact male and does not always get on with other large male dogs. Please let me know beforehand if you are bringing ANY dog with you.
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Dusty loves kids and adults alike. For the most part, this 6-year old will walk ahead of the group and leave you alone unless you have something tasty in your pocket! Please don't feed Dusty, however.
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Tours can last as long as you like - 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
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The meeting place is usually Cladach car park, at the Brewery/Wineport.
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Most walks are relatively flat. Highest elevation is around 200 feet (500 for Merkland)
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You are advised that you alone are responsible for your own wellbeing, health and insurance.
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Walking shoes are recommended. No crocs!!
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Maximum Group size: 6. Kids are welcome.
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Prices:
£25 per 30 minutes. £40 per hour. £50 for 90 minutes.
The Routes
These are only recommended routes and it's easy to combine or edit them to suit you time, your group or your budget.
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Timing: Start time to be agreed, but I can generally start between 10am and 6pm. Please contact me to confirm availability.
Walk 1
30 - 45 mins Easceanoch Trail £25.00 per group
Often taken by people who just want to immerse themselves in the forest for a short time, this route takes you from Cladach to the Easceanoch Trail to Cnocan burn, across the castle exit drive and up the Ryden Trail before swinging back down to Cladach. Lots of birds, occasionally a goldcrest and maybe red squirrel. There are eucalyptus and mountain pepper trees on this route. Moderate, but short climb up some trail steps.
Walk 2
45 - 60 mins Cnocan Gorge £40.00 per group
One of my usual morning walks from Cladach up the Goatfell Track to Cnocan Gorge. We follow the trail to the waterfall and picnic table, then it's down the other side and back along the Easceanoch Trail. This trail features sheer edges to the gorge below and children should be carefully supervised. There is an option at the picnic table to leave you to explore Glen Rosa by yourselves (reduced cost of £25 per group).
Walk 3.
60 mins Hamilton Trail & Castle £40.00 per group
This goes from Cladach, up the Goatfell Track to the trail leading to the castle. It calls in to the Hamilton Cemetery where Arran's former landowners (and castle residents) are laid to rest. Through the silver birch forest to the rangers huts and in to the castle gardens, where I will take you down to the planthunters trail and then leave you to explore the rest of the gardens and castle. NTS entry fees may apply and are additional to my costs. A great walk for plant lovers and definitely something of interest to children.
Walk 4.
90 mins Merkland Loop & Castle £50.00 per group
Starting at Merkland or Brodick Castle Car Park, this is a longer walk and there are some gradients to consider. We can go clockwise or anti-clockwise, but the walk incorporates Merkland Burn (and a sheer-sided gorge in places, so watch your kids!), plenty of birdlife including buzzards and finches and an overlook across Brodick Bay. If time permits, I shall also take you around the castle gardens. NTS entry fees may apply and are additional to my costs.