Affectionately known as ‘Scotland in miniature’, Arran is considered by many to possess the great qualities of Scotland in one compact island.
Great outdoors
Arran regularly astounds visitors with an incredible variety of scenery. Explore mountains, woodlands, beaches and outlying islands.
The Highland-Lowland dividing line goes right through the middle of Arran, dividing the wild, unspoilt, mountainous north, dominated by the peak of Goatfell, a firm favourite with hillwalkers, and the forest, farmland and resorts of the south.
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities that you can try on Arran, from getting to grips with kayaking in the coastal waters to gorge scrambling and mountain biking inland. There are plenty of great routes for walkers and, for golf fans, seven great golf courses to choose from. It’s also great destination for sailing, with pontoons and step ashore facilities.
Fascinating history
The capital of Arran is Brodick, where Brodick Castle, once the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, houses a glorious collection of furniture, with some pieces dating as far back as the 17th century. The garden, created in 1923 by the Duchess of Montrose, has been lovingly restored and the grounds contain numerous paths offering great views of the island. Lochranza also boasts a spectacular ruined castle which sits in a bay framed by mountains.
Natural heritage
Red squirrels, deer and sea eagles all call Arran their home, whilst playful seals can regularly be spotted basking on the rocks of the coastline and bobbing in the water. Arran also has some wonderful geological sites, including coastal caves and sills forming dramatic cliffs.
Made on Arran
Arran offers fantastic range of island-made produce. The local larder consists or a range of edible delights, from creamy cheeses to distinctive beers and whisky while luxury toiletries are produced at Arran Aromatics. You can visit the distillery, the brewery, shops and more!
Helpful info
Due to the RET scheme (road equivalent tariff) the cost of travelling by ferry to Arran has been realigned with the cost of travelling by road, which means fares have been substantially reduced. From Ardrossan, you can take the ferry to Arran in less than an hour. The ferry is dog-friendly and bikes can also be taken on board.
Arran offers a wide range of accommodation, from friendly bunkhouses to resort hotels packed with family activities.
http://www.visitarran.com/
