Glenashdale Falls and the Giants' Graves, Whiting Bay
North Ayrshire
Glenashdale Falls, Eas a' Chrannaig in Gaelic, is a double waterfall around 45 metres high in the woods above Whiting Bay on the south-east coast of Arran. Dogs need close control at the viewing platforms and the gorge edge, where the drops are sheer, and again on the steep, slippery descent from the Giants' Graves. This 4.8km circuit starts from the parking areas by Ashdale Bridge, where picnic tables look out over the bay, and follows a woodland path up beside the Glenashdale Burn, crossing a footbridge before climbing more steeply to a viewing platform that juts out over the gorge. A second viewpoint higher up shows the upper fall. The route then climbs to a forest track that contours the hillside for about a kilometre before a short path leads up to the Giants' Graves, a pair of Neolithic chambered burial cairns with a wide view over the bay. A steep descent returns to the outward path. There is about 152 metres of climbing on woodland paths and tracks.
This dog friendly walk packs a lot into under two hours. There is moderate off-lead potential on the woodland paths and forest track, with livestock unlikely under the trees, but keep your dog close at the viewing platform and anywhere near the gorge edge, where the drops are sheer. The burn gives water on the way up and the trees provide shade. The descent from the Giants' Graves is steep and can be slippery. The shore at Whiting Bay is close to the start for a post-walk paddle.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.8 km (3.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Picnic tables at the start; shops, cafes and toilets in Whiting Bay village.
- Parking
- Free roadside parking areas either side of Ashdale Bridge at the southern end of Whiting Bay.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Glenashdale Falls and the Giants' Graves, Whiting Bay, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in North AyrshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Glenashdale Falls and the Giants' Graves, Whiting Bay dog friendly?
Glenashdale Falls and the Giants' Graves scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it a solid choice for a day out with your dog on Arran. The woodland paths and forest track suit dogs well, the Glenashdale Burn provides water on the way up, and the trees offer shade. Whiting Bay shore is also close to the start if your dog fancies a paddle afterwards.
Can dogs be off lead at Glenashdale Falls and the Giants' Graves, Whiting Bay?
There is moderate off-lead potential on the woodland paths and forest track, where livestock is unlikely under the trees. However, you should keep your dog on a lead and under close control at the viewing platforms and anywhere near the gorge edge, where the drops are sheer, and again on the steep descent from the Giants' Graves.
What should I know before visiting Glenashdale Falls and the Giants' Graves, Whiting Bay with my dog?
This is a 4.8km circuit with around 152 metres of climbing, taking under two hours, so it's a manageable outing but not without challenge. The descent from the Giants' Graves is steep and can be slippery, so take care with dogs that pull. Parking is free at the roadside areas either side of Ashdale Bridge, and shops, cafes and toilets are available in Whiting Bay village nearby.
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