Lochranza Castle

Lochranza

Route: Fairy Dell, Lochranza

Area: Scotland, Isle of Arran

Date of walk: 18th October 2021

Walkers: Andrew, Gilly and James

Distance: 5.2 miles

Ascent: 400 feet

Weather:  Mostly cloudy, improving later on with a few patches of sun

Lochranza (the village) and Loch Ranza (the loch) are situated near the northernmost tip of Arran. The area is abundant with wildlife, and this is a good place to spot red deer, golden eagle and seals. After being confined indoors for most of the day by heavy rain and thick mist, we decided to drive north in the afternoon in search of wildlife and, if conditions improved, we’d still have time for a walk

We parked near the ruins of Lochranza Castle, which stands in a wonderful position by the loch, looking out to sea. The weather showed signs of improvement so we set off on our walk. We followed the village lane around the foot of the loch, passing by the local golf course. After passing by some houses the road petered out, to be replaced by a well made footpath, part of the long distance Arran Coastal Way

We rounded Newton Point and just beyond it arrived at an important rock formation known as ‘Hutton’s Unconformity‘. This place is significant as it was here that geologist James Hutton noticed an unusual formation, with some rocks inclined vertically and others almost horizontal. This supported his contention that the earth was millions of years old, rather than thousands as was believed

We carried on along the shoreline until reaching Fairy Dell, a wooded area where there is a white cottage and an old shed. Just before these we turned right and after a short climb reached a higher level track. We followed the track as it contoured around the hillside above Newton Point. We passed by a few cottages and then descended to the village lane. From here we retraced our steps, pausing for a while to watch a large herd of red deer grazing on the golf course

It had been a wonderful walk, full of interest and beauty throughout

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