Find the Stones
Please feel free to explore the Arran Arts Heritage Trail (AAHT) in any way you wish. It can be completed in a day; you can explore the place markers numerically or choose to visit each place marker at a more leisurely pace in any sequential order. Each marker carries the name of a featured artist(s) placed in the landscape that inspired their work. Biographies of the artist(s) and images of their work can be viewed through the trail map and artist database, where you will also find further information about each location. Many of the place markers can be accessed by way of popular walks or cycle routes on the island. Walking books, maps and bus timetables are available from the VisitScotland office at Brodick pier, to help you plan your route. You can also pick up the trail brochure from here as well as on the ferry.
1. Brodick - Craigie Aitcheson
On leaving the ferry terminal area, travel north towards Brodick Village. After a 4 minute walk the marker can be found on the grassy shore side of the road, opposite Shorelodge self-catering. The marker is just behind the taller Arran milestone. There are benches you can sit on and enjoy the views of Goatfell, Brodick Castle and the Arran hills. There are plenty of outlets in Brodick for picnic supplies or for sitting indoors with coffee and cake.
2. Heritage Museum - Hugh Purdie
Travel north through Brodick for a just over a mile. Arran Heritage Museum is on the right-hand side of the road. The sandstone marker is situated near the pathway to the entrance, behind a large tree. Originally the site of a small school, the museum includes a smiddy, a cottage, bothy, milk house, laundry, stable, coach house and harness room, outside tractors etc for children to play on. There are also exhibitions of Wartime Arran, The Clearances, Photographic Exhibition, Weights and Measures, Model Ship …. and a super café with home cooked food and baking, inside and outside seating.
www.arranmuseum.co.uk for further information
BUS ROUTE 322 OR 324
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
By foot from ferry terminal- 35 minutes.
Cycle route 73
3. Glen Shurig - John Muir Wood
From the ferry terminal travel north through Brodick village, passing Arran Heritage Museum (see trail marker number 2)
On leaving Brodick head for Blackwaterfoot on the string road (B880)
After 1-2 miles there is a small car park and viewing point on the right, about halfway up the String Road (watch out for it, it is easily missed) The views of Glen Shurig are fabulous and there is a small picnic table, a good place for a rest and some lunch.
BUS ROUTE 322 (Buses will stop for you but study bus the timetable carefully).
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
Cycle - the String Road (B880)
4. Glen Rosa - Dyce / Peploe / McCulloch
Travel north through Brodick village. BUS ROUTE 322
On leaving Brodick, take the String Road (B880) to Blackwaterfoot, then first right onto the Glen Rosa track. The track is a road suitable for vehicles. Keep going along the track until you come to the campsite gate and the carpark. The marker is situated on the right just beyond the parking area. For a lovely walk continue into Glenrosa with spectacular views of the hills and mountains. By foot from the ferry terminal – just over an hour, by car 8-10mins. Pick up picnic supplies from the many outlets in Brodick.
5. Goatfell - Alasdair Gray
From ferry terminal (Map available from the tourist office at the pier) travel through Brodick village, take right after the heritage museum and follow signs for Brodick Castle. After about ¼ of a mile, you will come to Cladach, on the left, where there is the Arran Brewery, a garden centre, restaurant, gallery and shop. Head up the Goatfell path, which is sign posted. Walk for about half an hour to an hour, to the 1000ft mark, the sandstone marker, with a special message from the artist, is to the right of the path before the bridge over the burn (known locally as Tommy’s bridge). From here you can enjoy the stunning view of Brodick Bay.
By bus from ferry terminal to Cladach ROUTE 324
Cycle route 73
By foot to start of path, half an hour.
Cycle - The String (B880) road.
6. Brodick Castle - George Hering
From the castle main entrance follow signs for the Bavarian Summer House. Continue the path in the direction of Brodick for 2-3 mins after the entrance to the summer house. There is a large tree in the middle of the path and the marker is situated just beyond that on the left.
From the pedestrian entrance at Cladach, climb the 39 steps and continue to the right on the path. From the entrance kiosk take the path to the right. You will pass the Icehouse on the right, continue forward and down a few steps. Straight ahead and follow signs for the Bavarian Summer House. Before reaching the summer house, the marker is situated about 20metres on the right just before a large tree.
Spend time visiting the castle, the extensive grounds and beautiful walled garden. There is also a National Trust cafe in the grounds.
Some rough paths not suitable for wheelchair or push chair
BUS ROUTE 324
7. Corrie Village - Joan Eardley / Margot Sandeman
Corrie village: this marker is on the shoreline just north of Corrie and Sannox Village Hall. Parking in front of the Hall or in the area across the road from the Hall. Bus stops close by.
BUS ROUTE 324
Enjoy the Wee Book Shop at the side of Corrie and Sannox Village Hall and stay in Corrie for something to eat or drink - there's the Corrie Hotel as well as Mara Fish (pre-order only).
8. Corrie Harbour - Jesse M King / E A Taylor
Corrie Harbour: this marker is on the grass area along the shoreline, just over the bridge, in the northern section of Corrie village. Please Park carefully near cottages or church. Bus stops close by.
BUS ROUTE 324
Explore Corrie village before you leave, including the Wee Book Shop, a Woodmaker's studio (on the bridge), the Corrie Hotel and Mara Fish (pre-order only).
9. Glen Sannox - MacLauchlan Milne
From the bus stop and parking area to the north of Sannox, follow the public footpath sign inland (Glen Sannox), passing a small cemetery and tall white navigation mast. Continue on the major path (ignore footpath sign to right), enjoying the expanse of mountain scenery ahead. The path is unsurfaced but good quality. Marker is just before the footpath crosses the burn (approx. 20-minute walk from the start). Paths not suitable for wheelchair or push chair BUS ROUTE 324 Refreshments can be found at Corrie Golf Club's tea-room (north of the bus stop and parking area, just over the bridge).
10. Lochranza - Thomas Annan
This marker is situated in the Lochranza and Catacol Village Hall car park, in the centre of Lochranza (next to the youth hostel and within walking distance of bus stop (5minutes) and ferry terminal (approx. 15 minutes’ walk)). The site enjoys views over to Lochranza Castle, across to Newton Shore and the distant hills of Kintyre.
BUS ROUTE 324
Whilst in Lochranza, explore the Distillery (including gift shop and cafe) and the Castle. Further day-time refreshments can be found at The Sandwich Station (near the ferry terminal).
11. Catacol - Sir James Wingate
This marker is situated at the entrance to the parking area to the south of Catacol village (the bus will stop here by request, be sure to study the bus timetable for return journey), just by the road bridge over the burn. To walk into Glen Catacol, follow the footpath sign inland immediately before the bridge, signposted Gleann Diomhan and Loch Tanna. The path follows the burn, over rocky outcrops and grassy knolls, before opening out into Glen Catacol.
BUS ROUTE 324
Picnic supplies can be found in Lochranza (at The Sandwich Station) or Pirnmill Village Shop.
12. Machrie - William McTaggart
This marker is in a small lay-by on the coastline at Machrie, just beyond the bus stop and the Machrie Moor Road junction, heading south. Further parking is at Machrie golf course and Tea Room, just past the marker. The tearoom is great for meals, sandwiches, coffee and cake. There are extensive views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Kintyre and the Auchagallon Stone Circle (Historic Scotland) is a short walk away inland (open year-round).
BUS ROUTE 324
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
see https://www.visitarran.com/food-drink for other places to eat and drink in the area.
13. Blackwaterfoot - Mary Armour
This marker is in the centre of Blackwaterfoot village. Parking is in the main village car park, adjacent to the Kinloch hotel. The bus stop is here also. Walk uphill, away from the coast, to find this marker on a grassy area with benches, and enjoy the extensive views of the Kilbrannan Sound, the Kintyre peninsular and, on a clear day, the far hills of Northern Ireland. The Kinloch Hotel and the restaurant at Shiskine golf course are great for meals and there is also an artisan Bakery just behind the Kinloch, as well as a takeaway sandwich shop.
BUS ROUTE 322 from Brodick pier.
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
The beach at Blackwaterfoot is stunning with fantastic views and a great walk to King's Cave. It can also be accessed from the Forestry path, on the road travelling north from Blackwaterfoot. A short distance further on this road you will find the path to the atmospheric Machrie Standing stones, half an hour's walk from the carpark. Check with the tourist office at Brodick Pier for a map.
14. Kildonan - James McLachlan Nairn
Head south from Brodick to Kildonan. (12 miles) Travel south through Kildonan until you see the village hall on the right. Opposite, on the shore side, there is a small carpark. The marker is to the left, looking out to Pladda island. There is a walk further south along the shore where you can often see seals basking on the rocks.
BUS ROUTE 323
15. Whiting Bay - Duncan Shanks
With a nod to all present-day artists. Travelling south into Whiting Bay, drive past the petrol station on the right, past the primary school. The marker is about 50metres past the old St Columba church (now a private house) on the grassy shore side.
BUS ROUTE 323 https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
Whiting Bay also has a lovely art gallery, which has a collection of both local and other well known Scottish artists as well as work from artists further afield. https://www.arranartgallery.com/
16. Kingscross - Agnes Miller Parker
Travel to Whiting Bay from Brodick. On entering Whiting Bay turn left at Sandbraes, where there is a small car park in front of the church. Continue along the path to the end and onto the shore. After about 3minutes follow the Coastal way on the left to King’s Cross. Continue this path until it opens out onto a grassy area with views of the Holy Isle, Lamlash Bay and the mountains in the distance. Follow the path down the slope to the left and continue the coastal way. You will come to a large house with decking, on the left. The marker is situated to the right of the path, 20minutes from leaving Whiting Bay shore.
BUS ROUTE 323 to Sandbraes.
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
Some rough paths and shore walk, not suitable for wheelchairs or push chairs.
You can continue the walkway through to Lmlash from here and enjoy great views of Lamlash Bay and the Holy Isle.
Alternatively, retrace your steps back to Whiting Bay, have a coffee at Bay Kitchen and stores and then follow the road into the village to find plinth number 15, see directions. There are also two or three places for lunch in Whiting Bay. Visit www.visitarran.com for more details.
17. Lamlash - James Kay
By bus from Brodick pier to Lamlash. This placemarker can be accessed by BUS ROUTE 323. (Disembark at Lamlash CO-OP)
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
It is easily accessible by foot, from a small carpark in front of COAST’s Discovery Centre. Visit Scotland’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA) visitor centre, and the UK’s first community led MPA visitor centre. and learn about all things marine.
https://www.arrancoast.com/octopuscentre/
Or why not arrange some adventure activities, kayaking or gorge walking
There are also several eating places in Lamlash for lunch or a drink by the shore including a few places you can buy sandwiches for takeaway, if the weather's good. Sit on the shore and admire the view, or maybe even DRAW!
18. Holy Isle - Dechi Wangmo
This placemarker can be accessed by BUS ROUTE 323 to Lamlash Pier,
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
followed by a short boat trip on the Holy Isle ferry, and a short walk to the location. For details on your visit please check the website below.
19. Clauchlands - Hugh Waller Paton
Travel towards Lamlash from Brodick, when you get to the bottom of the hill with the Holy Isle in front of you, turn left. Travel along the shore road for about half a mile. The marker is situated in a layby on the right. Enjoy the fabulous view of the Holy Isle.
BUS ROUTE 323 followed by a short walk along the shore road.
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
Various walks in the area are available from the tourist office at Brodick Pier. Why not visit the Holy Isle, a 20 min trip across from Lamlash Pier and find our plinth number 18.
Booking essential and only in season.
https://lamlashcruises.org.uk/
Alternatively, a visit to our marine Discovery Centre in Lamlash is highly recommended.
https://www.arrancoast.com/octopuscentre/
20. The Viewpoint - DY Cameron
(On the road Between Brodick and Lamlash). On leaving the ferry terminal area, take left at the T-junction, drive along the Lamlash road for 3-4 minutes. At the top of the hill on the right there is a sign for the Viewpoint Parking area. You will find the marker on the left of the parking area. The view over Brodick and the hills beyond is spectacular. BUS ROUTE 323.
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
There are various walks in the vicinity, visit the tourist information office at Brodick pier for further details. You could head into Lamlash or Brodick, where there are many excellent eateries for lunch or coffee before you continue exploring the Heritage Trail.
Check the Arran Art Trail website for present-day artists' studios which are open to the public.