The Isle of Arran is called ‘Scotland in miniature’ due to its rugged mountains in the north and green rolling hills in the south. It is famous for its outstanding wildlife, flora, fauna, geology, archaeology and history. Walkers will thoroughly enjoy the diversity of the landscape, glens, coastal walks, areas of natural beauty and forestry paths and trails.
There is a wide range of activities available on Arran. More information about the possible things to do can be found on the Visit Arran website.
Activities on Arran
Here are just some examples of what you could do during your stay.
Outdoor and Indoor
- Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park is the perfect place for a family day out.
More information can be found on the National Trust website. - The Heritage Museum in Brodick is a fascinating place showing how life used to be lived on the Island.
Indoor
- The Isle of Arran Brewery, at Cladach is also worth a visit. And of course there is also the Arran Cheese Shop, Arran Sense of Scotland (former Arran Aromatics) and Taste of Arran.
- Visit the Arran Active Outdoor Shop in Brodick for outdoor clothing and equipment, ladies fashion clothing and footwear, running and cycling clothing and much more beside, including a range of whiskies and gins!
- The Arran Distillery at Lochranza is one of the few remaining independent distilleries in Scotland with shop and visitor centre.
- If it is a wet day, then the Auchrannie Resort in Brodick is a great place to go for a swim. It also has indoor tennis courts, badminton courts, table tennis, indoor bowls, football, basketball, volleyball and many other team sports. The fitness suite & studio have a selection of the latest cardio and resistance equipment.
Outdoor
- Holy Isle is located off the coast at Lamlash Bay. A ferry runs regularly trips there from Lamlash Pier. If you’d like to check just call Jim on 01770 600 998.
- Arran Wild Walks. Mountain walks and Wildlife Watching with a qualified Mountain Leader.
- The Arran Coastal Way offers walkers a challenging and rewarding 65-mile / 105 kilometre circular route around the beautiful Isle of Arran.
- Here you can find information about the 7 golf courses on Arran, tennis courts and putting greens.
- Arran Adventure Company at the Auchrannie Resort in Brodick. For sea kayaking, sailing, gorge walking, mountain biking, archery, climbing, cycle hire and other adventure activities.
- The Arran Outdoor Centre in Lamlash offers lots of activities such as: kayaking, sailing, mountain biking, climbing, abseil, gorge walk.
- Cairnhouse Riding Centre is located in Blackwaterfoot. They are open all year, and offer Hacking & Trekking (horse riding / pony trekking) for novices and experienced riders.
- If you fancy a thrill, then have a go at Paragliding. Try a fundays solo training paragliding or a Tandem flight with an instructor.
- The island has scenic roads for cycling, especially the west coast & Machrie Moor road are ideal. You can also go off road, and there are quite a few forestry tracks that you can use. If you are looking for some route proposals, check the websites of Arran Bike Club and Cycle-Route.com