How to visit: the Isle of Arran

With rugged highland mountains, windswept beaches and ruined castles, and, of course, its own whisky, the Isle of Arran truly is ‘Scotland in Miniature’. Despite the whole island being only 55 miles around, there is a lot to fit in! Here is my guide to the Isle of Arran.

Things to do on the Isle of Arran

With highlands and lowlands, two castles, a distillery, brewery and epic mountains to climb Arran truly is Scotland in miniature – here is what to do on Arran.

Visit Brodick Castle & Gardens

A quintessential Victorian ‘Highland’ estate and Scotland’s only Country Park on an island! Brodick Castle is 800 years old and the grounds have waterfalls, bathing pools and red squirrels along with a children’s “Isle Be Wild” play area!  Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the grounds are open all year round. Brodick Castle itself has been closed for the last two years and is reopening this year (2019) after extensive refurbishment.

Head north to Lochranza Castle

At the northern tip of the Island is Loch Ranza, on which sits the mysterious Lochranza Castle. Was it built by Dougall MacSween owner of Scotland’s oldest standing castle – Castle Sween? Why did he convert an older Hall House to this impressive tower? Why did he need a castle on Arran?

Sail across to the Holy Isle, Arran

Located in Lamlash Bay is Holy Isle, once the home of a 6th-century monk called St Molaise and now owned by the Samyé Ling Buddhist Community who run a centre for world peace and health on the island.

Visit the Arran Distillery

Did you know the first bottling of the Arran 10-year old is responsible for my decade-long love of uisge beatha? Founded in 1995, Arran Whisky now produce 12, 14, 18 and 21 year old whiskies, as well as regular specials including a whisky in honour of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet and a peated malt called Machrie Moor.

Buy some beers from the Arran Brewery

Take a walk through the Arran microbrewery and sample their famous ales. My favourites are the Arran Blonde and hoppy Arran Brewery Dug.

Go shopping at Arran Aromatics & Arran Cheese

From soaps to shower gels, Arran Aromatics graces the bathroom of many a posh hotel. At their outlet on Arran you can bring some home for your own home. Next door is the Arran Cheese Shop – the Island Cheese Co – my favourite is the Arran Mustard.

My favourite walks on the Isle of Arran

Things to do on Isle of Arran Map

I’ve put all my recommended things to do on Arran on the map below with a few other places you might like – if you have any recommendations to add to it, then let me know. If you click on the Map of Arran markers more detail and website links will pop up.

How to get to the Isle of Arran – the Arran Ferry

Arran is located in the Firth of Clyde, just 1 hour from Glasgow and 2 hours from Edinburgh. To get to the Isle of Arran you take the fast 55-minute ‘CalMac’ ferry from Ardrossan on the mainland to Brodick. If you don’t want to take the car, with a train connection from Glasgow, the Isle of Arran is one of Scotland’s most accessible islands – which makes it perfect for a weekend away! Book your train tickets with trainline.com*.

Where to stay on Arran – Arran Hotels

• The very stylish Glenisle Hotel is located in the village of Lamlash, the top floor suite had a roll top bath, a huge bed and views out over the bay and Holy Island.
• With modern rooms and a well regarded dining room the Douglas Hotel is located in Brodick over looks the ferry terminal and Goat Fell.
• If you are looking for a spa hotel then look no further than the Auchrannie Resort. With a pool and beauty treatments on site, Auchrannie offers up a completely different way of staying on the Isle of Arran.
• There are lots of campsites on Arran – I love Glen Rosa, Lochranza and Bridgend

…and finally, what about the Arran weather?

We visited Arran in winter, where the weather can be rather unpredictable – even though the clouds were low and winter was working hard to suck the colour out of Scotland, Arran has a palette all of its own. I loved the red bracken, grey rock & constantly changing blue seas. Arran we will be back!

Love From, Scotland x

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