Mega 2014 - Arran Coastal Way, Sannox to Lochranza Event Cache

This section of the coastal way around the Isle of Arran has been a Mecca for geologists for many years due to its wonderfully varied geology. Even in the early days of geological exploration, the likes of James Hutton and Sir Archibald Geikie were attracted to its rugged slopes and coastline. It is along this coast close to Laggan in particular that Hutton first found evidence that supported his ‘Uniformitarianism’ theory – that the Earth was much older than previously thought.
This is one of the sites at which James Hutton (1726 - 1797), first identified this type of geological structure. He was then able to put forward a theory about the geological history of the earth that was to have as profound an effect upon society as did Charles Darwin's 'Origin of the Species', as he was the first to propose that the earths' surface had evolved over an immense period of time.

On the route there are opportunities for you to spot Red deer feeding on the heather clad hills that slope steeply down to the sea, Golden eagles soaring over head and fossilised tracks of giant centipedes embedded in the rock beside the ocean. Out to sea, Seals can be spotted soaking up the sun on the rocks. If you are fortunate enough you can spy on sea otters playing amongst the floating kelp, dolphins and basking sharks are commonly seen just off shore too.

Once we get beyond the Sannox woods you will be secluded on the coastal way with no access to roads for approximately 5 hours so this walk, although flat should be taken seriously. Once we get to Cock Farm where Harold Macmillan, an ex UK prime minister grew up visiting his Grandfathers farm. You can choose between two routes.
One route takes you over the hill to Lochranza, this route will reward your effort to reach the top with spectacular views over the North of the island's mountainous landscape.
The second route carries on past the Cock Farm and follows the coastal path to Lochranza Harbour past the geological examples mentioned above. This route does however pass over a boulder field which presents a very tricky passage over and through the large boulders, dogs and small children may need carrying over some.
The choice of routes will be yours to make at the beginning of the walk or once we reach Cock Farm

At present there are some tree felling operations around Sannox. We are in touch with the forestry commission and If there are problems with this section of the Coastal Way, then the walk will be shortened as a circular from Lochranza to Cock Farm and over the hill back to Lochranza. Regular updates on the Coastal Path being open will be made before the weekend commences and announcements made to all attendees.