What to see and do on the Isle of Arran
What to see and do
Rich in Gaelic and Norse history, the Isle of Arran is stippled with castles, burial mounds and ruins. Brodick Castle–a 5th-century fortress site–sits above Brodick Bay, shrouded in 60 acres of grounds with tranquil walled gardens. Owned by the National Trust, the 19th-century structure welcomes visitors daily. Avenues of torch lilies lead to a sensory ‘Fairies and Legends’ trail, a delight on even the soggiest of days.
For outdoor enthusiasts - there are trails, beach caves and camping spots galore. Serious hikers and climbers flock to Goatfell, 874 metres high and marbled with walking, scrambling and rope climbing routes. Weave through the lush fells of Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa for less of a challenge; and if you’re feeling brave, stop at the Blue Pools for a cold-water dip.
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Mineral dense, Arran's mountain water is very well suited to making whisky. The two Isle of Arran distilleries (Lochranza and Lagg) offer tastings and tours; beginning with jovial talks on grains and ending with sampling tables of award-winning golden drams (drivers are welcome to take theirs home!). Stop for lunch or visit the shop at Lochranza without a tour booking and if you’re lucky, spot the resident golden eagle circling overhead.
Adventurers, hike the Eas Mór waterfall and discover an enchanting woodland library at the top. Along the coast at Blackwaterfoot, walk the King’s Cave Circuit to explore ancient carvings and coastal vistas.
Where to stay
Eco-conscious and ambitious, Balmichael Glamping opened its pods in 2020. A sustainable farm with all the charm of Hobbiton, guests can enjoy wood-fired hot tubs and trek with alpacas - yes, alpacas. Safari lodges are new for 2021, sleeping six and using savvy water and electricity saving methods for the perfect eco stay.
If luxury hotels are more in your line, The Auchrannie Resort in Brodick offers plush king-size beds draped in tartan blankets, deluxe lodges, a spa and several dining options. Find modern suites with sea views at its neighbour The Douglas, along with a buzzing bistro-bar-terrace.
For a fully plant-based short stay, check-in to the quaint Ferghan Mhor Vegan B&B in Sannox. Private lounges, cruelty-free toiletries, home-made vegan baked goods - yes please.
Eat and Drink:
The island’s pop-up dining scene has recently blossomed, forging an interactive, sustainable food movement adored by locals and tourists alike. Perched sweetly on the Shore Road at Corrie, Mara Fish Bar and Deli offers stunning (and sustainable) local seafood dishes with island-grown vegetables, for casual dine-in or takeaway. Enjoy Louisiana-style Arran langoustine po’ boys, oysters with wild garlic butter, or house cured mackerel and poached eggs from under a nautical-striped awning. Obvious as it seems, a side of their perfectly fried chips go hand-in-hand with an amble on the water’s edge at Sannox beach. Vegan and vegetarian options too, along with a fresh seafood deli counter and plentiful shelves of oils, pickles and crackers.
The French Fox - a charming turquoise Peugeot J7-turned-mobile food stand, serves honourably indulgent yet refined French cuisine to-go. Glossy steak au poivre (and a sumptuous vegan aubergine alternative), croques monsieur, pommes purées - they really go for it. Generous on the truffle, garlic, cheese and really all of the best things about French cooking. Menu and locations posted daily on Instagram. Gigantic profiteroles not to be missed.
For simple, elegant seafood on the go, The Shack is a sleek silver Airstream showcasing some of the finest local catches. Luxurious lobster rolls, monkfish curries, hand-dived scallops and crab arancini are on offer along with velvety risottos and fresh salads, boxed for beach picnics and road trip lunch stops.
The best bread on the island is undoubtedly baked by George and Emilie at the Blackwater Bakehouse. Currently operating as a ‘bread shed’, this sourdough-focused bakery offers melt-in-the-mouth loaves, rolls and pastries from Tuesday-Saturday. Get there early because genuinely, the locals can’t get enough.
Reserve a table at The Stags Pavilion in Lochranza for an evening of continentally inflected, Scottish cuisine. Unpretentious and cosy, you’re welcome to bring your own bottle. The Brodick Bar & Brasserie excels at Ayrshire steaks and wine; and gin drinkers - head to Arran Botanical Drinks for a beachside tipple infused with sea plants and edible flowers.
Don't miss
Jess MacDonald Brass crafts nature-inspired jewellery at her Blackwaterfoot studio, and even if you're not on Arran you can shop elegant mountainscape rings, necklaces and more at jessmacdonaldbrass.com. Rejuvenate any hill-sore muscles with botanical lotions and potions from Arran Aromatics, hand-made on site and gloriously fragrant for at least a square mile. Sweet-toothed travellers should visit James of Arran in Brodick for slabs of fudge and truffles with champagne centres. Handily located a few doors down, The Parlour is the place to go for cones of Arran Ice Cream doused in toffee sauce. If you can, don’t leave the island without an evening of stargazing, you won’t regret it.
Ferries daily from Ardrossan and Claonaig can be found at calmac.co.uk