Walk: Fairy Dell – from metaphysical to metamorphic

📌 Lochranza, Isle of Arran
★★★

Mythology and geology meet on Arran’s north coast near Lochranza. At Newton Point, rock layers from two completely different eras – ancient metamorphic schists and newer cornstones – are found next to each other. The site helped shape 18th century geologist James Hutton’s theories around rock formations and humanity’s understanding of the Earth’s great age. Before this, the route climbs on a track to Newton with great views across Loch Ranza, with a descent through Fairy Dell: a pretty wooded hollow with a whitewashed cottage and – maybe – a portal to a secret world. This walk makes a good, shorter alternative to the full Cock of Arran circuit starting from the same place.

📷 Chronological photo guide

🌍 Location

📌 Start / finish where minor road meets the sea, northeast side of Lochranza, Isle of Arran

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NR 938507

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.705394,-5.284063

🚌 Infrequent bus stops on A841 near Newton turnoff

🚗 Car park

📝 Key info

▶ 5 km / 3 mi | ▲ 90 m | ⌛ 1.5-2 hr

Features: 💧 Loch Ranza; 🧚 Fairy Dell; 👨‍🔬 Hutton’s Unconformity; 🌊 Newton Point

⬤ Easy | Tracks & paths throughout – one rougher / steeper descent.

➡️ Anticlockwise circuit: start & Loch Ranza- track to South & North Newton – descend to Fairy Dell – Hutton’s Unconformity – Newton Point – start

Download file for GPS

🥾 On our last visit

Wildlife: Red deer & fawns grazing above & below track at South Newton. Grey heron, oystercatchers, other seabirds, hooded crows.

Weather: Sunny & warm, light winds.

July 2022