Step out on Claonaig and Skipness circular
This delightful corner of Kintyre has much to offer – spectacular views over Kilbrannan Sound to Arran, windswept beaches of colourful pebbles and sand, quaint glens, amazing rock formations and the important and well-preserved remains of Skipness Castle and Kilbrannan Chapel.
On a clear day, Arran’s fine peaks and ridges can be clearly seen and it is fun to pick out details such as Ceum na Caillich – the Witch’s Step – step back in time to explore the area’s history or take a dip in the sea.
From the back of the car park, head north over a small stile. Follow the fence up the right hand slope of the field for 400m to a gap leading on to the old road.
Turn right. The track ahead is easy ambling with stunning views. After 240m there is a wishing well, now choked under an abundance of gorse. Continue NE past Auchameanach Farm and through mature woodland. On exiting the wood, the track has been resurfaced. To the left lies Glenbuie. Continue straight on for 350m until you reach a crossroads.
Ignore the resurfaced track heading down the hill and look for a track to your left and a large pylon ahead. You now have a choice.
Ahead drops into Skipness village, useful if time is against you.
Our track, however, goes left into the woods past a ruin and neatly curves round the top of Crow Glen, before fording the Allt a’ Chreamha and crossing the fields to a T-junction.
Turn right. The route sweeps down to the coast on part of the Kintyre Way – a long distance route from Tarbert to Machrihanish – and to Skipness.
Turn left. Take time to enjoy the beach and St Brendan’s Church before crossing the bridge over Skipness River. To the left, the woods are a mass of snowdrops and wild garlic in spring. Continue on the road passing the Old Kennels and Monybachach Farm until you reach woodland on your right. After 200m you will cross a small bridge; immediately look for a faint path on your right next to the burn.
Turn right. After easily circumnavigating a fallen tree, the path becomes obvious, although muddy in places. But the walk down to Skipness
Castle via Campbell’s Glen through woodland is charming with waterfalls and a beautiful stone bridge. On reaching the main track, you will see Skipness House ahead, home to the renowned Seafood Cabin, a fabulous eatery in summer. Meanwhile our route heads for history and the sea.
Turn left towards Skipness Castle, originally built by Clan MacSween in the 13th century. The castle saw many important additions and fortifications between the 13th and 16th centuries and has a colourful history, from being used as a garrison for Royal Troops under King James IV, to being besieged in the 17th century. It is well worth exploration and a climb up its narrow staircase to the roof. There are gates on the north and east sides so you can cut