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Black Cave, Bennan Head

Black Cave, Bennan Head

Highlight • Cave

Black Cave, Bennan Head

Hiking

5.0

(5)

Running

5.0

(1)

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

South Arran Marine Protected Area

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Location: Arran, West Scotland, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Tips

Dan Hobson

September 2, 2020

Hiking

The Black Cave on Bennan Head is the largest cave on the Isle of Arran. It measures 80 feet (24 m) high, 40 feet (12 m) wide and 100 feet (30 m) deep. Early archaeologists claimed to find arrow-heads and flakes of flint mingled with whelk and limpet shells in the cave, indicating that it was used by prehistoric man. However, the boulder-strewn surface of the cave has led others to doubt this. Although, it has been used as a place of worship in the past.

Jan

May 25, 2018

Hiking

Only accessible when the tide is low.

Isa

August 2, 2024

Hiking

The last 500m to the Black Cave you have to climb over scree, you need good shoes and surefootedness! At the end you walk along the rock face, really not for a "walk"!

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Black Cave, Bennan Head

4.3

(3)

hikers

#1.

Kildonan to Lagg via Arran Coastal Way

16.5km

04:12

60m

Embark on a moderate hike along the Kildonan to Lagg section of the Arran Coastal Way, a diverse route spanning 10.2 miles (16.5 km) with an elevation gain of 187 feet (57 metres). This journey typically takes around 4 hours and 12 minutes to complete. You'll experience a mix of unpaved paths, rocky shorelines, and sandy beaches, offering stunning coastal views. From Kildonan Beach, you can enjoy spellbinding vistas of the islands of Pladda, with its lighthouse, and Ailsa Craig, a distinctive volcanic plug. Be prepared for sections that involve scrambling over boulders and potentially muddy terrain, especially after rain. You may also encounter cattle in some fields along the way.

Before you set out, it is crucial to check tide times, as certain sections of the trail, particularly around Bennan Head, can become impassable at high tide. A signed diversion route is available if needed, or you can choose to follow the road inland to avoid the rocky shore. Similarly, at Kildonan, you have the option to continue along the coast or head inland on forestry tracks. This ensures you can tailor your hike to current conditions and your preferred challenge level.

This section of the Arran Coastal Way is rich in geological wonders and wildlife. You'll observe striking black basalt dykes extending into the sea, formed from ancient volcanic activity, and the Kildonan shore is considered one of the best examples of a "dyke swarm" globally. Keep an eye out for seals basking on rocks and the chance to spot otters in the area. The route also passes Torrylin Cairn, the remains of an ancient chambered cairn, adding a touch of history to your coastal adventure.

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Moderate

hikers

#2.