The Cock of Arran is the northernmost point of Arran, and the coastal path that leads there from Lochranza is one of the finest walks on the island. The route follows the shore eastward past raised beaches — ancient shorelines left high and dry by post-glacial land uplift — and fossil-bearing rock formations that have been drawing geologists since the 18th century.
The round trip from Lochranza takes about four to five hours at an easy pace. The path is mostly good underfoot but involves some scrambling on rockier sections. Views across to Kintyre and the mainland are excellent in clear weather. Red deer are frequently seen along the path, and in season there are seabirds on the cliffs. This is a genuinely wild walk with no refreshment stops; take what you need from Lochranza before setting out.