Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is situated off the west coast of Scotland. Although perhaps not as famous or as popular with tourists as its more northerly relatives Skye and Mull it is seen as the ideal holiday spot by many Scots. Possibly this is due to its proximity to Glasgow. You can be on the island within two hours of leaving Scotland’s largest city.

The island is accessible by two different ferry routes, one from Adrossan that sails into the village of Brodick, the other from Clonaig which sails into Lochranza. Many people who are on an “island hop” holiday choose to use Arran either as their first destination, arriving on the Adrossan ferry and leaving on the Clonaig one, which allows them to proceed up the Mull of Kintyre and on up into the Highlands. You can also use it as your final destination with good access to Glasgow and Prestwick airports.

Arran is nicknamed “Scotland in miniature” due to the similarity in profile to its parent country. Mountainous in the north, the island changes into rolling arable farmlands in the south. The highest of these mountains is Goat Fell, which at 2867 ft is just short of the magical 3000 ft mark that would allow it to become known as a Scottish “munroe”. There are a variety of ascents to the mountain, from challenging to relatively easy, and most people are able to climb it, weather permitting, as long as they have a pair of sturdy boots. At the top is a magnificent view of the Firth of Clyde, and it is often possible to spot whales and nuclear submarines slowly progressing by.

Hill walking is a popular activity on the Isle of Arran. There are many different walks taking in different terrain and differing levels of experience. This activity offers you the chance to enjoy the rich wildlife that habitats the island. A wide variety of birds including the golden eagle occupy the skies, their great forms can be seen wheeling about the northern mountains. Another marvellous sight happens in the autumn when the deer go into rutting season. The mighty bellows of the stags can be heard from great distances and you might be lucky enough to see two of them fighting over the female hinds, their antlers maing great clattering noises as they clash into one another.

Cycling is a popular pursuit also. Cycling around the island can be achieved in one day, the circumference of the island being 55 miles, although much of the road is quite undulating and tiring. There are shorter routes to be taken across the island if you are less experienced. Mountain biking is also available on the island and can be done at many points.

The Isle of Arran can be viewed as a golfer’s heaven. There are not less than 7 golf courses on the island, with almost every village on the island having one. Courses can be found at Whiting Bay, Shiskine, Lamlash, Brodick, Corrie, Machrie and Lochranza. These courses vary in quality from very short and easy, to very testing and there is something to match every golfer’s ability. Some golfers come for a long weekend and manage to get round all seven courses, a fun if exhausting achievement!

The Isle of Arran produces some of the finest food and drink in all of the UK. It makes excellent cheese, lamb, beef, beer, whisky and chocolate amongst other things. Many of the producers take care to make their products in as environmentally friendly way as possible. A visit to Arran would not be complete without sampling as many of these as you can. (And putting on a few pounds!)

The history of Arran is peppered with folklore, some of which may or may not be true. Much of it revolves around Robert the Bruce. The King’s Cave at Blackwaterfoot is supposedly where he witnesses the intrepid spider weave her web that encouraged him to “try, try again”, and King’s Cross is purportedly where he waited and watched for the signal fire that told him it was safe for him to return to the mainland and engage in battle with the English.

To the south of Arran is Ailsa Craig or “Paddy’s Milestone”, a massive granite rock in the middle of the sea which, as legend has it, was used as a stepping stone for the Irish giant Fergus to cross over to Arran to fight the Scottish giant Fingle.

Arran is a holiday destination for those that want to be active in the outdoors. It is a family destination, but be warned, the weather can turn quickly on the island and sunshine can become thunderous rain in a matter of minutes. If you are bringing children to the island a stock of board games is a prudent accompaniment. Waterproofs and wellies are a must but so also are shorts. The island is in the path of the Gulfstream and you can see the benefits of that from the many palm trees that grow in the lush island gardens.

Arran is an island to be enjoyed and to come back to. Many of its visitors return year after year to recharge their batteries in the calming aura of its laid back lifestyle.