Glenashdale Wood above Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, Scotland
Giants’ Graves
Prehistoric
Place photograph
6.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.5Two ancient chambered tombs sit in a woodland clearing above Whiting Bay, with coastal views opening out from the approach.
The appeal is the combination of prehistoric cairns, a steep wooded approach and views across Whiting Bay towards Holy Island. The nearby Glenashdale Falls circular walk makes this more than a brief archaeological stop.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapGlenashdale Wood above Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, Scotland
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The experience
Visit the two chambered cairns in their woodland clearing, take in the views over Whiting Bay and, if you want a longer outing, continue on the circular route to Glenashdale Falls.
Things to do
Visit the two chambered cairns
Explore the pair of prehistoric chambered tombs in the woodland clearing above Whiting Bay.
Allow time within your walk; a precise visit duration is not sourced.
Take in the views over Whiting Bay
The route description notes views towards Whiting Bay and Holy Island from the cairns.
Continue to Glenashdale Falls
Extend the outing on the circular trail to the falls viewpoints and return through the wooded glen.
The full circular route is listed as 1.5–2 hours.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours; confirm timing against your chosen route and conditions.
1 — Quick Escape: Climb to the cairns
- 01
Start from the Glenashdale walk access described near Ashdale Bridge.
- 02
Follow the signed path towards Giants’ Graves; expect a steep ascent.
- 03
Explore the two chambered cairns in the woodland clearing and take in the views over Whiting Bay and Holy Island.
- 04
Return by the way you came if you are not continuing the circular route.
Half day · About 1.5–2 hours for the described circular trail; allow extra time for stops.
2 — Make a Half Day of It: Cairns and Glenashdale Falls
- 01
Begin at the car park described for the Glenashdale Falls walk.
- 02
Follow the trail towards Giants’ Graves and take the steep ascent to the cairns.
- 03
Continue along the hillside path to the Glenashdale Falls viewpoints.
- 04
Follow the wooded glen back towards the car park.
Verified history
The Giants’ Graves are described as two Neolithic chambered cairns. A supplied attraction description dates them to roughly 4,500–5,500 years ago and says substantial stone chambers remain. That date range comes from a description identified by its publisher as AI-generated, so treat it as a source-reported estimate rather than a precise archaeological date.
Folklore & legend
A route description connects the name with Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna, describing them as giants in legend. This is folklore, not the archaeological explanation of the tombs.
Hidden details
Look for the chambers within the cairns — The supplied attraction description notes that substantial stone chambers remain at the ends of the cairns.
When to go
· Choose a clear spell for the views; no particular time of day is supported by the supplied sources.
The sources do not establish a best season. A clear day is likely to make the reported coastal views more rewarding; check path conditions before visiting.
The route includes a steep ascent and sources mention muddy tracks. Wear suitable footwear and check conditions before setting out.
The route
- ascent
- 482 feet
- stiles
- The route source reports no stiles or other obstacles.
- surface
- Woodland paths and tracks; some sections may be muddy.
- distance
- 3.2 miles
- duration
- 1.5–2 hours
- difficulty
- Moderate; steep ascent and muddy sections are reported.
- waymarking
- The route source describes signed paths.
- route shape
- Loop
- start point
- Car park near the Glenashdale Falls walk, with the trail starting on the south side of Ashdale Bridge.
- parking start
- The route source describes a car park; confirm current availability and exact access before travelling.
- shorter alternative
- Visit the cairns and return by the ascent route rather than completing the circular walk; confirm conditions and allow sufficient time.
- Two chambered cairns known as Giants’ Graves
- Views over Whiting Bay and Holy Island
- Viewpoints over Glenashdale Falls
- A return through a wooded glen
Worth pairing with
Glenashdale Falls
A worthwhile extension on the described circular walk, with viewpoints of the falls and a return through a wooded glen.
What to look for
Look for the two cairns and their chambered stone structures. The supplied sources also describe views over Whiting Bay and Holy Island from the site.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for a more comfortable woodland walk; check conditions before visiting at any time of year.
Choose a clear day for the coastal views. Paths may be muddy, and the ascent is steep, so allow time and wear suitable footwear.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The site is reached by a steep path through woodland. Check current path conditions and access before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
A nearby car park is described for the Glenashdale Falls circular walk. Confirm its current location and availability before travelling.
Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row says the car park and entrance are not wheelchair accessible. The approach includes a steep ascent; check current path conditions before setting out.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Giants’ Graves
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
