Isle of Arran
With rugged mountains in the north and gentle rolling hills in the south, the Isle of Arran encapsulates the diverse beauty of the Scottish landscape. Visitors will find an array of attractions, including Neolithic standing stones, pretty fishing villages, castles, whisky distilleries, and beaches, as well as numerous hiking trails.
The basics
The Isle of Arran is often visited as part of multi-day tours from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Tours typically include stops at the romantic ruin of Lochranza Castle, the Neolithic Machrie Moor Stone Circles, and Brodick Castle, a 19th-century manor house. Many visitors also tour the Isle of Arran Distillery, and embark on walks of varying difficulty, from a gentle stroll on Kildonan beach to a challenging hike up Goat Fell, the Isle of Arran’s highest peak.
Things to know before you go
- Public transit is limited on the Isle of Arran, so it’s best to go as part of a guided tour unless you have your own transport.
- Bring waterproofs and extra layers; weather on the Isle of Arran can be unpredictable.
- Look out for dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks during the ferry journey over to the island.
How to get there
The Isle of Arran is situated off Scotland’s west coast. A car ferry service runs between Ardrossan on the Ayrshire coast—about 50 minutes from Glasgow by car—and Brodick, the island’s main village. An alternative ferry service runs between Claonaig on the Kintyre Peninsula and Lochranza in the north of the island.
When to get there
The Isle of Arran is warmest in July and August, making it a good time for outdoor activities. Ferry and bus transport is more frequent during the summer too, though accommodation can sell out far in advance. Though summer is the busiest season, the Isle of Arran rarely feels crowded, with lots of open space.
The Arran Coastal Way
One of Scotland’s most scenic walking routes, this 65-mile (109-kilometer) path circles the entire Isle of Arran, encompassing coastal, forest, and inland paths. The route offers stunning views of the island’s dramatic landscapes, and can be done in stages for those who don’t have the time to complete the whole track.