King's Cave

King's Cave is the largest of several sea caves on the west coast of the Isle of Arran in Scotland, a few kilometres north of the village of Blackwaterfoot in North Ayrshire. Walkers come for the Robert the Bruce legend, the old carvings on its walls and a forest-and-shore trail to reach it.

How did the cave form?

The caves sit at the foot of former sea cliffs. After the last ice age the weight of the glacier pressed the land down, so the sea cut into the rock at a higher level. When the ice melted the land rebounded and left a raised beach and relict cliffs, which is why the caves now stand above today's high tide.

What is the Robert the Bruce story?

Tradition says the Scottish king sheltered here in 1307 and watched a spider try again and again to spin a web before it finally managed, which encouraged him to keep fighting. Sir Walter Scott helped make the tale famous. The Canmore record points out that the association is fairly recent: in 1772 the traveller Thomas Pennant still called the place "Fingal's Cave". The land managers, Forestry and Land Scotland, consider it unlikely that Bruce hid here before Bannockburn. Enjoy it as folklore rather than documented history.

What will you see inside?

The walls carry carvings from many periods, from early Christian and medieval work to modern additions. Descriptions mention crosses, symbols and inscriptions, and the cave may once have been a hermit's cell. Modern graffiti and some vandalism have also been reported, so look but do not touch or add marks.

How do you get there?

The usual route is a circular walk from the free forest car park on the A841, just under 3 miles (about 4.5 km) north of Blackwaterfoot, postcode KA27 8DX. The marked trail is roughly 4.7 km, takes about two hours and is graded strenuous.

• The surface is uneven gravel and earth, with a rough rocky stretch along the shore.
• Expect several long, steep slopes and two gates.
• The final approach is a steep descent to the beach.
• Views take in Machrie moor, the Drumadoon cliffs and the sea towards Ireland.

You can also walk from Blackwaterfoot along the Arran Coastal Way, which makes for a longer outing. Toilets and food are only available in the village.

When should you go?

Choose a dry day, since the path and the beach descent can be slippery, and wear proper walking boots. Check the tide before going down to the shore because the caves lie right at the water's edge. Summer gives you the longest daylight but also the most visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for King's Cave? No. Parking and access to the cave are free.

How long does the walk take? Around two hours at an easy pace for the circuit, including the descent to the cave.

Did Robert the Bruce really stay here? There is no solid historical proof. It is a popular legend, and the site's managers think it unlikely.

Where can I eat nearby? In Blackwaterfoot, a few kilometres from the car park. There are no shops or toilets on the trail itself.