Unexpectedly (well, it wasn't pre planned) able to answer you. First off, yes a small motorhome should be OK though there is a gate halfway down that needs to be opened and shut again. The roads are like Ireland's which should be descriptive enough but the Lagg Hotel may allow you to park on their car park..very helpful in there.

So I zoomed to Arran today on a day off and spent a very pleasant warm 2 hours. No, there won't be anyone there. Nobody. Nada. Only me, seaweed, rocks, a bit of sand and pebbles. Probably looks more attractive in the sun but doesn't everything. No sign on it, nothing to say it's Cleats Shore. You just strip and enjoy. And paddle. Some interesting sea life close in, yes I wimped out of swimming.

So how to get there on bus? Take the one going round the south bit of the island and get off at Lagg which is basically the hotel, but you want something to drink don't you. And eat, if like me you just had 5 minutes between docking and the bus leaving. From there you continue up the hill (naturally) following the helpful barman's instructions for 5 minutes. There is a half hidden sign pointing to Cleat's Shore. 10 minutes walk and voila! There it is. Had to put my bag and clothes on rocks as sand too wet to lie about but as I said very pleasant. Supposed to be seals off the shore but wasn't lucky. Had a couple of hours and a giggle as just walking off back off beach a birdranger was walking towards me. He never sees any naturists. I said sadly to him he'd just missed one. He was last there in February though and needless to say they were thin on the ground then.

Anyway I loved Arran. Could only be a day trip but would absolutely love a longer visit even if the weather wasn't kind. So there we are..I ticked Scotland's official beach off my list.

Thanks for the feedback Brigitte and I'm glad that you enjoyed your visit to Cleats shore.
We ended up going to Galloway and spent friday night wild camping at Mull of Galloway next to the lighthouse.
It was surreal! I was the most southerly naturist in Scotland even though it was for only a few seconds outside.
A bit too cold really, but invigorating. 😉

You're welcome ambler. Thanks for replying as one thing that can irritate me on here are members not thanking for information supplied that was asked for...

Just to add it was lovely even on a relatively glum day, and Arran is definitely worth going to even if weather is not kind. Did 3 bus rides in the day and it was a tempting taster. Plenty to see even without the beach. If you did hit a good few days...well. There was a gorgeous caravan site right on the shore at Kildonan a few miles back from Lagg which looked idyllic. 

Hi Brigitte.
Yes, we have stayed at the campsite a few years ago but did not realise that the naturist beach existed! The pub was OK as well, for a Scotish pub. 🙂 ( that's unfair, the pub was good)
We shall return to Arran. We love the island.... My avatar, of the deer, was taken at Lochranza.

Oh wow on photo.

Didn't get to Lochranza/the northern half but there's always next time. What a pity you didn't know about the beach though perhaps not surprising, there is absolutely no mention of it in the tourist bumph and there's certainly no sign on the beach.

Brigitte, your inbox is full. (cant send PM)

Been to cleats shore a few times if anyone has any questions about the beach and Arran

Bit of advice check the tides before you go a lot more beach when the tide is out 🙂

Kev

Thanks Kev - it's on our radar, because we haven't been yet. Good tip about the tides. As the original poster inquired - is it still possible to take a vehicle down the lane / track, almost to the shore? And would it be feasible with a small motorhome?

Mike

I spend my summer holidays each year on Arran and would not recommend driving any vehicle down to Cleats Shore. It would be best to park the vehicle in the car park opposite the Lagg Hotel and walk up the hill to opening signposted to Cleats Shore. It is a 10/15 minute walk. The beach is officially designated as naturist but my experience is that not many naturists frequent the beach. When I was there, the beach was mostly pebbles and I was the only one there apart from my wife who is not comfortable with naturism but supports me in doing so. In recent years, textiles have appeared from their walks along the coastline completely unaware that they have reached a naturist beach. Happy to give more information.

Victor

Thanks for the additional information Victor! Are you able to clarify why you think it isn't feasible to drive to the beach? Can you describe what the problem would be?

Mike

Sun chaser,
From memory, the access from road to beach is narrow and would be difficult for cars - motor bikes probably ok. Basically it is a path down I can't recall any space for turning. Hope this helps. PM me if you want.

Victor

I have to concur with Victor. My wife, and I, went to Arran, for the first time, in spring of this year. We made a point of going to check out Cleats Shore. I have a very competent 4X4 car, and I was not venturing down the track, as that is what it is. Rutted, overgrown, debris, mud, and soggy. I pulled onto the start of it, and decided No Way.  Had I something like a Defender, with aggressive tyres, and not bothered about my paintwork. I would probably have gone for it, and got through. The fact that it was pouring down, and had been for days, did not help. Due to the rain, we did not bother, getting out of the car, to explore on foot, so we can not comment on the beach. I also have to say, that it might be different, after a spell of warm weather, but unless some upgrading has been carried out, you will still need, decent ground clearance, and not to bothered about rubbing against branches.

I have to concur with Victor. My wife, and I, went to Arran, for the first time, in spring of this year. We made a point of going to check out Cleats Shore. I have a very competent 4X4 car, and I was not venturing down the track, as that is what it is. Rutted, overgrown, debris, mud, and soggy. I pulled onto the start of it, and decided No Way.  Had I something like a Defender, with aggressive tyres, and not bothered about my paintwork. I would probably have gone for it, and got through. The fact that it was pouring down, and had been for days, did not help. Due to the rain, we did not bother, getting out of the car, to explore on foot, so we can not comment on the beach. I also have to say, that it might be different, after a spell of warm weather, but unless some upgrading has been carried out, you will still need, decent ground clearance, and not to bothered about rubbing against branches.

Very helpful - thank you Grahame and Heather. That clarifies the situation perfectly. Only sorry the weather was disappointing when you visited.

Mike

Sun chaser,
From memory, the access from road to beach is narrow and would be difficult for cars - motor bikes probably ok. Basically it is a path down I can't recall any space for turning. Hope this helps. PM me if you want.

Victor

Thanks also Victor!

Mike