Arran - Scotland in miniature

Arran is an island off the westcoast from Ayrshire and is often referred to as Scotland in miniature. In the south of Arran you can find fertile valleys, meadows and prehistoric ruins. The north of Arran is very different, tall mountains and deep valleys where deer rule, combined with very pictoresque villages in the North and East on the beautiful shores of the Firth of Clyde. Arran can be reached by ferry from Ardrossan on the mainland to Brodick or from Kintyre, the Claonaig to Lochranza Ferry. Brodick Castle is located near the village of Brodick and is one of the finest castles in Scotland. The castle was owned by the Hamiltons since 1600 and after a few major changes since that time the castle became what it is today. Remarkable fact are the almost 90 heads of deer that were brought to the castle as a hunting trophy and can be found on the wall along the main stairs. The castle is now owned by the National Trust of Scotland.

A trip around Arran is about 90 kilometers and can be done in 4 hours, depending of course on the amount of stops and a visit to Brodick Castle which is a must if you ask me. The castle and gardens are stunning and the view over Brodick Bay is phenomenal.

Starting from Lochranza the first thing that comes to mind is the tranquility of Arran, like time stood still here. In Lochranza are the ruins of a castle. When you follow the A841 towards Brodick you first pass the Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd. The distilery opened in 1995 and released its first whisky in 1998. From the distillery the road winds its way up in Glen Chalmadale and drops again before the little villages of Mid Sannox and Corrie, tiny but very well maintained with ever changing views of the Firth of Clyde. From Corrie the road continues towards Brodick where Brodick Castle is located. Brodick is the main town/village on Arran and has shops and local services. From Brodick the road continues to Margnaheglish which is situated on the beautiful Lamlash Bay. Here Holy Island is clearly visible and a little detour to Clauchlands Point is recommended.

Before I forget it: Just outside Brodick is a shop where they sell Arran made cheese and other local products, definitely worth a visit. Continuing from Lamlash Bay you enter the South part of Arran where places like Knockenkelly and Kiskadale are located near Whiting Bay. The road now continues passing Kildonan Castle and past Bennan Head, the most Southerly tip of Arran. Close to Lagg and Corriecravie are chambered cairns, mesolithic monuments from thousands of years ago. The A841 now turns North towards Blackwaterfoot and Tormore. Tormore is located on the East coast and can be used as a startingpoint for a walk on the Machrie Moor, a relatively flat moorland and the home of several Standing Stones and Stone Circles. Impressive monuments against the backdrop of Beinn Tarsuinn and Goat Fell, with 874 meters the tallest mountain on Arran and the most easy one to climb, even for non experienced walkers.

From the Machrie Moors the B880, or string road, takes you back to Brodick crossing the island from South West to north East. A beautiful drive passing An Tunna and great views of the Goat Fell when weather permits. Arran is a little paradise like island that has a lot to offer. Beautiful beaches, pictoresque villages, impressive mountain ranges and lots of interesting history.