🐾 Dog-Friendly Glenashdale Falls & Giant’s Graves Walk at a Glance
🦮 Lead Rules: Mostly relaxed in the forest; keep dogs close near the waterfall viewpoints and higher ground where sheep sometimes wander
🚶 Walk Length: 5 km, 3 miles circular route from Whiting Bay
🌿 Terrain: Woodland paths, gravel tracks, steady climbs, and some steeper sections near the ridge
🌊 Highlights: Double-drop Glenashdale Falls and sweeping views over Whiting Bay
🪨 History: Neolithic chambered cairns known as the “Giant’s Graves,” around 5,000 years old
🚻 Facilities: Toilets and places to eat in Whiting Bay at the start/end of the walk
🅿️ Parking: Free roadside parking along Whiting Bay
☕ Dog-Friendly Nearby: Several cafes in the village
About
This Glenashdale walk is one of those routes on Arran that feels like you’ve stepped into a calmer pocket of the world. You start in Whiting Bay, the route is well-marked and easy to follow, though the climb can feel a bit steep in places. From the village, follow the paths signed for Glenashdale Falls before continuing on the path signed for Giants’ Graves.
Distance: Around 5 km/3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate, with steady climbs
Terrain: Woodland paths, gravel tracks, some steep sections
🌊 Glenashdale Falls
The waterfall itself is a double drop, into the gorge below. When you’re standing on the wooden viewing platform, the spray drifts up just enough to cool you off, especially on a warm day.
Glenashdale Falls isn’t tied to ancient myths the way the Giant’s Graves are, but the glen itself has been used for centuries. Old maps show mills and small settlements dotted around the area. You can still spot little traces if you keep your eyes open.
🪨 Giant’s Graves
After the falls, the trail loops uphill towards the Giant’s Graves, which sit on a ridge overlooking Whiting Bay. The name makes it sound like you’re about to meet some enormous skeletons, but they’re actually Neolithic chambered cairns, built roughly 5,000 years ago.
Standing by the cairns, you can see why they chose this spot with views stretching out over the bay. The cairns themselves look oddly humble for structures that have stood for millennia, long stone mounds with narrow burial chambers inside.
Dog Access and Rules
This is a dog-friendly walk, but you need to keep your dog under close control, as it can get busy, and you may encounter mountain bikers on some trails.
