The Isle of Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde off the west coast of Scotland, and the seventh largest Scottish island. It has a little bit of everything, from mountains, glens, forests, and beaches, to fascinating wildlife, not to mention acclaimed local produce. No wonder that Isle of Arran walking holidays are a very popular choice with visitors!
Here are just a few of the reasons that people love visiting Arran.
1. It is a wildlife haven
The variety of wildlife that you can spot on Arran is unrivalled, even throughout the rest of Scotland. There is the chance to see rare red squirrels in the grounds of Brodick Castle, where they occupy a specially built hide. The famous Scottish red deer roam wild on many areas of the island.
From up in the dramatic ridged mountains on the north of the island, golden eagles can frequently be spotted. The coast is rich with sea eagles, seals, dolphins, whales, and many other marine species. Otters can sometimes be spotted in coastal sites and rivers, but they are an elusive creature, and you may need to be out and about very early to see one!
2. There is a lively cultural scene
Arran is not just about beautiful scenery and wildlife. It is a destination for musicians and artists across Scotland and beyond, and there are many festivals and events held across the island every year, which will hopefully be returning in 2022 after all the pandemic disruptions.
3. It’s a sporting paradise
The events and activities are not just cultural; there are also dozens of sporting events held across the island every year. These range from marathons and trail runs, to rugby, cricket, and football.
It also offers fantastic opportunities for peaceful off-road cycling, with stunning scenery, and challenging mountain climbs for those who want to really test their mettle. All this is not to mention the range of aquatic sports and activities, such as fishing, kayaking and sailing.
Visitors can also explore designated snorkelling trails dotted around the coastline, which allow you to view the fascinating world of underwater flora and fauna of the seabed.
4. It is renowned for its great hospitality
Arran is stocked with hotels, restaurants and other catering establishments which offer a range of world class food and drink. As you would expect, there’s fresh seafood aplenty, but also locally produced cheeses, ice cream, and biscuits.
There’s also a distillery where you can sample the delights of a Scottish single malt, and a newly established Farmer’s Market, where the best of fresh local farm produce is available.
5. It’s full of stories
Arran’s archaeology can be traced back 540 million years, and there are many prehistorical sites that you can visit, including standing stones, stone circles, hut circles, and chambered cairns.
You can also visit the National Trust owned Brodick Castle, which is open to visitors during the summer months, and tells the story of the dynastic Dukes of Hamilton.