The King's Cave from Blackwaterfoot
You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.
Much popular walking on Arran is on the hills to the north of the island. Being an island however, means that there is also a wealth of coastal walking to enjoy. This walk is short enough for the whole family to enjoy and includes great scenery, wildlife-spotting opportunities and the famous King's Cave.
The walk starts from Blackwaterfoot, where you will find toilets, a couple of shops, a pub and a tea room. The route follows a track through the golf course before joining a path near the shoreline. This gives pleasant and easy walking to the caves that include the King's Cave. A return can be made by the same route, or by an alternative way that is included in the route description.
The King's Cave is the place where, according to legend, Robert the Bruce took refuge after murdering a rival. This action divided the Scottish nobility and Bruce is said to have hidden in the cave whilst things quietened down. The legend continues that he watched a spider struggling to make a web and that this inspired him to continue his own struggle. The spider legend is an invention, though it is possible that Bruce took up residence for a while. What is much more certain is that early Christians used the site and Christian and Pictish symbols have been found carved on the walls.
The cave is now closed off behind a high, ornamental metal fence, though the gate is frequently forced open. Should it be in this state when you visit and should you decide to enter the cave, please bear in mind the historical significance of the site and do nothing to jeopardise carvings or other archaeology.
Scotland - South Scotland - Ayrshire and Arran - Coast
Features
Ancient Monument, Birds, Cafe, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Pub, Public Transport, Sea, Toilets, Wildlife