About Arran
The Isle of Arran, or Scotland in Miniature as it is often known, is a magical place that draws people back year after year. It is famous for its beauty and variety of scenery, from the stunning coastline to the mountains in the north and has a mild climate due to its location in the Gulf Stream. Arran is a walkers paradise and a golfers dream!
Relax in the peaceful surroundings at Shannochie, sit back and watch the sun setting over Kintyre, or explore all the joys the island has to offer. Many guests are drawn back year after year... Arran is addictive!
Arran has many historical places all over the island - the King's Cave at Blackwaterfoot, the Standing Stones at Machrie, the Giant's Grave at Whiting Bay, the Chambered Tomb at Torlin, Kilmory, Brodick Castle, Lochranza Castle, Kildonan Castle, to name but a few, all worth a visit.
There are numerous walks ranging from easy to difficult, 5 minutes to 5 hours. Climb Goatfell (874 metres) to take in the spectacular views, follow the newly-finished King's Cave Loop in Machrie or stroll on Blackwaterfoot beach. Many paths have been opened up through the forests, the vistas from High Kildonan to Whiting Bay are spectacular!
The Arran Coastal Way stretches approximately 100km, encircling the Island. Many ancient and some newly-created paths follow the shore and cater for all abilities, some suitable for wheelchairs.
Wildlife & Wildflowers
Arran is a haven for wildlife. Some animals/birds to look out for:- Red Deer, Grey Seal, Basking Shark, Raven, Dolphin, Barn Owl, Otter, Oystercatcher, Porpoise, Shelduck, Hen Harrier, Red Squirrel, Golden Eagle, Ringed Plover, Hare, Pheasant, Badger, Buzzard, Adder, Peregrine... or just look out the windows and watch “Roger” the rabbit, “Harry” the hare – even “Phil” the pheasant comes to visit!!
Wildflowers are abundant - along roadsides, on hillsides and skirting beaches. Red Campion, Thrift, Cottongrass, Meadowsweet, Grass of Parnassus, Thistle, Iris, Ragged Robin, to name but a few.
Things to Do
Play golf on all 7 courses, Horse riding/ pony trekking, Fishing, Cycling/Off road biking, Walking/Hiking, Climb Goatfell/The Witch's Step, Walk the Coastal Way, Paragliding, Sailing, Bowling/Tennis/Putting, Swimming, Visit Art Galleries and Craft Shops, Water Sports
Treat yourselves to the fine dining in many restaurants/hotels using local produce, sample the spirits at Lagg Distillery, just down the road or at Lochranza Distillery, up north!
Have fun on the Adventure playground at Brodick Castle, go Gorge walking, power boating with Arran Adventure or relax in the Spa Resort at Auchrannie.
For that little bit of retail therapy try going off the beaten track and pop in to the many craft shops, from woodcarving to pottery, paintings to spinning.
Various festivals, live music and local events take place thoughout the year.
For more details of all these and more please see below.
Places to See
Glenashdale Falls, Whiting Bay; Eas Mor Falls, Kildonan; Loch Garbad, Kildonan; Black Cave, Bennan Head; Drumadoon Point, Blackwaterfoot; Holy Isle, Lamlash; Goatfell, Brodick; Fallen Rocks, Sannox; "12 Apostles", Catacol; Corrie Lochan, Thunderguy; Glen Rosa, Brodick. Lots more for you to discover too!
A few more impressions of Arran and its inhabitants
Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge the photos:
