Isle Of Arran Guide
Contents |
Isle of Arran
Brodick | Lamlash | Whiting Bay | Blackwaterfoot | North Arran; Corrie And Lochranza | Walks on Arran | Holy Island
Introduction
In the wedge of sea between Ayrshire and Kintyre lies the oval-shaped and very beautiful island of Arran. It manages to combine the classic features of the Northwest Highlands with the more sedate pleasures of the Southern Lowlands, thus earning the sobriquet, "Scotland in Miniature". This obvious appeal, coupled with its easy accessibility, makes Arran a very popular destination, but it remains unspoiled, and at 25 miles long is big enough never to feel crowded.
The island attracts all sorts of visitors: hill-walkers and climbers come to tackle the 10 summits over 2,000 ft and dozens of ridge routes; golfers are driven by their desire to play on no fewer than seven courses; the beaches of the southeast are popular with the bucket and spade brigade; and the island is a big hit with geology students, who come here in droves to marvel at the unique rock formations.
Although tourism has become Arran's main income earner, the island is large enough to sustain a relatively stable population of around 4,500, only slightly more than the number of red deer which roam wild in the beautiful mountain glens. Arran was tacked on to North Ayrshire in the recent local government reorganisation, but its geological, historical and cultural links are with the Highlands and Islands, hence its inclusion here.
Getting there
For details of bus services to Claonaig, Tel. 01546-604695
The main ferry route to Arran is from the distinctly unappealing Ayrshire town of Ardrossan to the island's main town, Brodick. The CalMac car/passenger ferry makes the 55 min journey 6 times daily Mon-Sat, 4 times on Sun. There's a regular train connection between Ardrossan and Glasgow Central. There's also a bus connection to/from Edinburgh. By car, from the south the main route to Arran is from the M74 motorway, on to the A71 via Kilmarnock, to Irvine and Ardrossan. For more ferry information, contact Ardrossan ferry office, Tel. 01294-463470, or Brodick, Tel. 01770-302166.
The other ferry routes to Arran are from Claonaig, near Skipness on the east coast of Kintyre, to Lochranza in the north of the island. The non-bookable car/passenger ferry makes the 30-min trip 8-11 times daily during the summer (Apr-Oct), less frequently in winter. There is also a limited service from Tarbert to Lochranza (1 hr 35 mins). An Island Hopscotch ticket allows you to journey to Brodick and leave from Lochranza or vice versa, giving you more freedom on the island. For ferry times, Tel. 08705-650000, for reservations on sailings to Lochranza, Tel. 01880-730253.
Getting around
Fifty seven miles of main road run right around the coastline and pass through every village, making it easy to see much of the island by car in a short space of time. There are also two roads, "The String" and The Ross Road, which bisect the island. Arran is best appreciated on a bike, however, and for details of bike hire, see below under Brodick.
It's possible to explore the island using public transport, as there are regular bus and postbus services. However you should bear in mind that buses to the north and south of the island leave as soon as passengers have disembarked from the ferry, so you need to be organised: there is no time to go to the tourist office or banks first if you're in a hurry to explore the island. There are regular daily buses from Brodick to Blackwaterfoot (30 mins) via "The String; to Lamlash (10 mins) and Whiting Bay (25 mins) and on to Blackwaterfoot (1 hr 10 mins); to Corrie (20 mins), Sannox (25 mins), Lochranza (45 mins), Catacol (50 mins), Pirnmill (1 hr), Machrie (1 hr 10 mins) and Blackwaterfoot (1 hr 20 mins). There's also a postbus service from Brodick to Corrie, Sannox, Lochranza, Catacol, Pirnmill, Machrie, Blackwaterfoot and back to Brodick; and from Brodick to Lamlash, "The Ross, Kildonan, Whiting Bay and back to Brodick.
A rural daycard gives you unlimited travel on Arran. For bus times and more information contact the tourist office in Brodick, where you can pick up a free copy of the Arran Transport Guide, or contact Arran Rural Rover, Tel. 302000, or Postbus, Tel. 01546 604695.