Activities

Walking - there is a wonderful range of scenic walking available, from challenging mountain climbing to hill and coastal walks – from 8-hour hikes to 30-minute strolls.  There are many guidebooks available, hopefully some to be found in the house.  A days mountain walk to the top of Goat Fell, the island’s mightiest peak at just under 3000 feet, is a must for the reasonably active family (weather permitting, the climb is less difficult than it appears from sea level and on a clear day the views of the Arran peaks, Jura, the Firth of Clyde, the Scottish Highlands, Ireland and the Lake District are stunning).

Other interesting walking destinations include Glen Rosa, The Saddle, Glen Sannox and Glen Catacol.  For the more adventurous, the Arran peaks offer more rewarding challenges – see guide books for details.

Boating and Fishing – boat hire and sea fishing from Lamlash Pier, also extensive coarse fishing available.

Golf – Arran is for the golfer (or would-be golfer!).  There are at least 6 courses on the island of varying degrees of difficulty, all with great scenery, friendly and open to the public.

Cycling – there are a number of cycle hire shops and also some bikes at the house.  Excellent (and flat!) coastal cycling from Brodick to Corrie and Sannox.

Tennis – four hard courts (good condition) in Lamlash village.

Swimming – excellent modern swimming pool at the Auchrannie Complex in Brodick, also sauna, jacuzzi, health club, etc.

Eating Out – many options, ranging from the haute cuisine of Creelers Seafood restaurant to Brambles Bistro at the Auchrannie and Harold’s restaurant at the Lochranza Distillery to a varied selection of pubs, hotels and cafes.

 Other activities available on the island include Pony Trekking and Quad Biking.  We would suggest that on arrival you check with the Tourist Office (at Brodick Pier) or The Arran Banner (the weekly island newspaper) for latest activities/up to date information.

Places of Interest

Brodick Castle & Country Park

Arran Distillery in Lochranza

Arran Museum in Brodick

Kings Caves in Blackwaterfoot (connections with Robert the Bruce)

Glenashdale Falls

Lochranza Castle

Machrie Standing Stones

Arran Aromatics/Duchess Cour

Wildlife 

Bird watching is excellent.  Many birds of prey exist on the island, including golden eagle and peregrine falcons.  Also a variety of sea birds, many from the nearby bird sanctuary at Ailsa Craig.

 Sea life can also be interesting.  There are several seals to be seen around the island, but particularly at Merkland Point between Brodick and Corrie.  Although we’ve not yet been lucky enough, there are also basking sharks, dolphins and even the odd whale to be spotted!

 Deer are also plentiful in the glens and on the mountain slopes, as well as a herd of wild ponies on the Holy Isle.

 Flora & Fauna are also a feature of the island.  Again guidebooks are available for those with an interest.  Arran’s proximity to the Gulf Stream produces a more temperate climate than you might imagine.  There is a surprising number of palm trees on the island, including a couple in our front garden!  The gardens at Brodick Castle also contain an astonishing and exotic variety of flowers, shrubs and trees.