Forest bathing at Glenashdale, South End Forest

South End forest covers much of south-east Arran and holds the largest area of native woodland on the island, with a healthy population of red squirrels. From Whiting Bay, the Glenashdale Falls Trail follows the Glenashdale Burn up through the woods to a rocky cauldron and the tallest double waterfall on Arran, where there is a viewing platform, then returns to the village past an Iron Age fort.

Park in the free council car parks at Ashdale Bridge, at the south end of Whiting Bay, then walk a quarter of a mile up a narrow lane to the forest entrance. The falls trail is about four and a half kilometres, with several steep slopes, steps and rough, rocky or muddy sections, so allow an hour and a half or more and wear boots. The Giants' Graves Trail climbs steeply to Neolithic chambered cairns with views over Whiting Bay. Toilets and places to eat are in the village.