Merkland Wood

Merkland Wood is perfect for a short walk with great opportunities to spot wildlife. It lies on the east coast of Arran just north of Brodick, and has many great routes through it, varying in length and intensity that wind through the mature oaks and sandstone boulders. Visitors often go to visit the Merkland Burn that runs through the wood.

One of the most popular walking routes through the wood is Dan’s Walk. It is named after an Arran naturalist who started the conservation of Merkland Wood and since the 1970s, the woods have been cleared of the invasive Rhododendron Ponticum plant that has been shading out wildflowers and stopping regeneration of native trees. This was done by locals, volunteers and staff and today the woodland is beginning to flourish again.