New section of coastal way is a most ambitious scheme
A new section of the Arran Coastal Way is being created between Lamlash and Whiting Bay.
A new two-kilometre linking path between Ardlui and Cordon, which will join up with existing footpaths, is the coastal way project’s most ambitious scheme yet. And it has only been possible thanks to a generous donation of £3,500 from the Arran Trust.
The new route will mean that Glenashdale Falls will no longer be on the coastal way route, but a side trip can be taken and the 67mile walk will now include Whiting Bay, which is an often-used stopover point where walkers either stay overnight or stop for provisions and refreshments.
The new pathway that is being built will snake its way on and off the beach to go around natural features in the landscape that will allow for more variety in the walk. Approximately one third will be on the beach, in sections of a few hundred metres at a time, with the other two thirds being made up of a one-metre-wide boardwalk in the woods just above the high tide mark.
It is anticipated that the route will be finished in the autumn, but walkers can still take advantage of parts of the finished path this summer, walking on the beach for the sections that are yet to be completed. An updated route map is available on the Arran Coastal Way website where the new section of the route can be seen.
Along with the improvements being undertaken in Lamlash by the coastal way team the group is also well ahead with a much anticipated project in Brodick where it is building a two-metre-wide section of boardwalk between the Cloy Burn and the concrete slab bridges on the Fisherman’s Walk. The existing pathway that had completely eroded will be replaced with an elevated walk along an altered route.
Works are also being undertaken in the area by North Ayrshire Council, which is doing rock revetment to prevent erosion and path is currently closed, except at weekends, due to the use of heavy machinery in the area.