Explore the wonders of the Isle of Arran

Sometimes called ‘Scotland in Miniature’, the Isle of Arran is Scotland’s most southerly island. One can divide the island in two in the same way they divide the mainland in two – separating the Highlands from the Lowlands. The Isle of Arran mirrors these geographical features with the rugged north being sparsely populated and the milder south acting as home to the majority of the island’s population. The island is one of Scotland’s most accessible and is most often reached by the ferry which docks at Brodick.

Brodick is a great place from which to start exploring Arran. Besides having a well-developed infrastructure catered towards this, Brodick is home to a great golf course and the Heritage Museum. Brodick Castle, a short distance away, is open to the public during the summer months and is also the location of the annual Arran Folk Festival.

If you tire of Brodick, you might try visiting Whiting Bay. It has great accommodation, a golf course and good walking facilities. Further south you will find Kildonan, which is famous for its spectacular views. If you head to the west coast, you will come across Blackwaterfoot. A quiet little fishing village, Blackwaterfoot has a great twelve-hole golf course and is a lovely place to get away from it all. The other golf course that might appeal to you is the one at Lamlash. The town itself is quaint and boat trips to the Holy Island are on offer at the bay.

Most visitors to Arran come to fish, walk or play golf, but the sightseeing is also good. Lochranza in north Arran is the northern half’s largest settlement. It has a great castle and offers ferry rides to the Kintyre peninsula. Whether you plan to walk, see the sights or just get away from the usual bustle of city life, the Isle of Arran is a great place to stay.

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