Arran - Two hours west of Glasgow (including an hour ferry crossing), Arran is also conveniently located for people arriving from England or Ireland. The main roads to use are the A71 (from the M74 motorway) towards Irvine, or the M77 from Glasgow to Kilmarnock, then the A71 westbound to the ferry terminal at Ardrossan. There is also a seasonal ferry service to Lochranza, on Arran’s northern coastline, from Claonaig, on the Kintyre Peninsula. The route to this smaller ferry service (also operated by Caledonian MacBrayne) is favourable for people touring the western isles or wishing to take in the longer scenic route from Glasgow, via Loch Lomond.

Arran is Scotland’s most easily accessible island, especially if you are arriving from England, or from overseas flights which are destined for Glasgow International or Prestwick International Airports. A short ferry trip on the M.V Caledonian Isles from Ardrossan on the Ayrshire coast, will drop you onto this very unique island - so different from the scenery you have passed through to get here.

Visitors who come to Arran on a regular basis (and this includes many from overseas) spend much of their time exploring. Regardless of the island’s size (just 60 miles round) there is always something that you have to put off until next time. Whether it’s to walk along the mountain ridges, play one of the seven golf courses, watch a crickets match, take a tour around one of Arran’s world-renowned visitor attractions or simply sit on a wide sandy beach watching the seals, enjoying full freedom on Scotland's only official nudist beach, you will never fit everything in!

The Great Outdoors is clearly the island’s attraction. Everything about the island is typically Scottish - except for the weather! The wild red deer (which you are guaranteed to see), the golden eagles, hills of heather and mountain lochs are all very much part of island life. Additionally, the island benefits from little or no snowfall in winter, giving visitors the chance to escape to Arran in mid-winter when prices are low and you can recuperate from your usual hectic schedule.

Summer Activities for adventurous visitors are well catered for. The island has facilities for boat enthusiasts of every kind, sea and trout fishing is very popular and even sub-aqua facilities are available.
The island is well-known to geologists throughout the UK and those interested in plant life will find an almost unbelievable range of species, some of which are recognisable from as far as the Caribbean, New Zealand and China. Historically the island is rich in sites and information. Brodick Castle, for example, houses some of the most interesting artefacts in Scotland and its gardens are simply breath-taking. Arran need little introduction to golf enthusiasts – the seven courses are spectacular.

Take a tour around one of the many visitor attractions, including the new brewery at Brodick, or the award-winning Lochranza Distillery. Even if it does rain from time-to-time, there’s never excuse to sit around!



Many shops and craft businesses have been long established on Arran and you’ll recognise some products and brand names which have originated from here. New operations, too, have set up in recent years and this gives more encouragement for regular visitors to return.



Have a break for Lunch in one of the lovely tearooms. Eating Out at one of many gourmet restaurants, bistros, inns or hotels ends another perfect day.