A 9 mile (14km walk) from Ifferdale farm – Saddell Abbey and back. A Grade 2 moderate walk of about 3 hrs excluding stops using forestry tracks, minor roads, farm tracks and beach, mainly dry underfoot.

The first part of the walk follows the Kintyre Way and other forestry tracks and the second part the B842 and the farm track back to Ifferdale farm. There are detours to visit Saddell Bay and Saddell Abbey.

Start and end point Ifferdale Farm (grid ref: NR771338) OS Explorer Map 356 or OS Landranger Map 68

Experience views across Kilbrannan Sound to Arran and across to Ailsa Craig. Walk along Saddell bay,where the video for Mull of Kintyre was filmed and see the Anthony Gormley statue Grip. See Saddell castle and the ruins of Saddell Abbey.

Directions

On leaving Ifferdale farm turn right and follow the track up Saddell Glen. After about 300 yards, pass on the right the point where the Kintyre Way joins the track. Continue straight ahead on the Kintyre way. About 30 minutes after leaving Ifferdale farm the track crosses the Ifferdale burn. Follow the track for about 25 minutes as it gently climbs uphill, bearing right at the Y junction. As you gain height you can see views across Kilbrannan Sound towards Arran.

At the T. Junction, which is reached about 35 minutes after crossing the bridge, turn left, leaving the main route of the Kintyre Way which goes right at this point. After about 20 minutes turn left at the T. Junction. (You may see some old Kintyre Way markers). On a clear day, as you continue along the track, there are excellent views across Saddell Glen, across Kilbrannan Sound to Arran and across to Ailsa Craig. After 20 minutes the track crosses under some electric cables. Ignore the track which goes off to the right and stay on the main track down to the road (B842).

Turn left and follow the road towards Sadell. At the bottom of the steep hill, just after the Saddell sign (and before crossing the bridge) turn right and walk along the driveway towards Saddell Castle. Just before reaching the castle, turn left, follow the track over the bridge and then bear right towards the beach. A perfect place for a rest or a picnic.

After visiting the beach retrace your steps to the bridge over Saddell water. On the Saddell Castle side of the bridge go through the gap in the wall on the right and down a few steps. Follow the track through the wood (can be muddy in places) to rejoin the driveway half way between the castle and the road. Turn right along the driveway and walk up to the road. At the road turn right. After about 100 yards turn left to visit the ruins of Saddell Abbey.

After visiting Saddell Abbey continue along the B842 road towards Saddell Glen. After about 200 yards turn left and follow the track along Saddell Glen back to Ifferdale Farm.