Eas Mòr and Loch Garbad, Kildonan

From the car parks at the Eas Mòr Ecology centre, at the junction of the A841 and the Kildonan road, take the path past the centre and its café and up between lines of trees, with views back over the sea to Ailsa Craig. Viewing platforms look into the deep gorge; the last shows the slender, high drop of Eas Mòr. Above the gorge a path climbs onto open ground, fords a small burn, joins a track and climbs to Loch Garbad. Return to the stone seat above the gorge and go down the far side, by the Library in the Woods and an outdoor amphitheatre, back to the start.

It is 5.1 km with 173 m of ascent; allow about 1¾ hours. The grade is Easy: good paths, with a steady climb to the loch.

The detour to Loch Garbad fords a small burn that may be awkward in spate, according to Walkhighlands. Volunteers are turning the conifer plantation back into native woodland. The Library in the Woods is a hut lined with drawings and notes left by visitors. Keep children close by the gorge.

The Eas Mòr Ecology centre has parking on each side of the A841. Buses stop on request, and the ferry from Ardrossan lands at Brodick.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.