NATURAL WANDERS

Walk, swim, feast and find peace on the Isle of Arran's Coastal Way, says RACHEL ALEXANDER

- RACHEL ALEXANDER

THERE are few places where you can climb a mountain before lunch, swim in the sea in the afternoon and tuck into lobster cooked by a fine-dining chef at sunset.

But in just eight days over the course of 65 miles, the Arran Coastal Way offers exactly that.

Described as “Scotland in Miniature” for its condensed mix of rugged peaks, sweeping beaches, mossy forests and tempting whisky distilleries, Arran is a concentrated dose of adventure.

The island's celebrated Arran Coastal Way wraps right around its edge, guiding walkers through eight days of constantly changing terrain and unforgettable encounters with nature, history and food.

Walking the island edge, I visited in early September with tour company Macs Adventure.

The operator, which specialises in self-guided walking and cycling holidays, describes the trip as one of its “oldest and best-loved”.

What's great about travelling with Macs Adventure is the app, it even works without any signal - a state of affairs in which we regularly found ourselves.

When navigating through barren landscapes and switching your accommodation every night, everything that you need to find your way is right in the palm of your hand.

Travelling anticlockwise, the first leg included the island's highest peak, Goat Fell. At nearly 3,000 feet, the climb was a challenging one, but when the clouds finally parted, the views swept across the island like a living map.

Those less tempted by summits can bypass Goat Fell and travel along an alternative route, one of six offered along the coastal way, catering to both ambitious walkers as well as amblers.

From day two onwards, I covered around 10 to 13 miles, but with much less elevation. Some stretches were boggy and wild, others tamed by boardwalks.