What to do in Lochranza
Local Walks
A Walk Through Lochranza’s History
A Walk from Sannox to Lochranza
Seven Things to See and Do Round Lochranza (without needing a car)
- Lochranza Castle. For hundreds of years it guarded the island from Kintyre raiders. The medieval ruins are surrounded on three sides by the loch
- Newton Point and Fairy Dell. Allow a couple of hours for this circular walk which takes in the geological feature of Hutton's Unconformity. Have an icecream and meet the Stone Men at The Whins
- Arran Distillery Tour. Learn about Arran's hidden history of illicit whisky distilling and indulge in whisky-tasting
- Catacol walk via The Postman's Path. Climb up to Coillemhor with views over the Kilbrannan Sound and contour through woods to wild Glen Catacol
- Play Golf. Lochranza Golf Course's fairways follow the flat valley floor. The golf course is open to all with the options of 9 Hole golf or Pitch and Putt. Clubs available to hire.
- Sail the Calmac Catriona ferry to Kintyre then walk or cycle the two miles to Skipness where you will find a castle, St. Brendan's Chapel and Skipness Seafood Cabin (open end of May to end of September). The Skipness Smokehouse is open all year
- Wildlife Spotting. Walk unobtrusively, keep looking up and have your binoculars at the ready as you wander round Lochranza. There is lots to spot.
Local Produce and Shopping
- Arran Distillery tours and whisky tastings, local gifts shop and cafe. Situated across the road from Lochranza Campsite and Golf www.arranwhisky.com
- The Whins Craft Shop. Situated up the North Newton track on the north side of the loch at Lochranza. Beautiful views and birthplace of the Arran Stonemen
- The Old Byre Showroom (14 miles down the west coast at Dougarie). Restaurant, playground, knitwear, footwear and leather goods www.oldbyre.co.uk
Eating Out in Lochranza
- Casks Cafe, Arran Distillery
- Lochranza Hotel Boguille Bar by the castle
- The Sandwich Station by the pier
- The Stags Pavilion Restaurant by the golf course
Exploring
Buy a day or week's bus pass
Isle of Arran walks: http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/arran/
Five ferries, five destinations. Five_ferries_five_destinations.pdf
We sell maps and guidebooks in Reception
Five All Day Walks to and from Lochranza Campsite:
- The Cock of Arran and Laggan Cottage . A circuit from Lochranza along a fascinating coastline to a deserted settlement (8 miles) Allow 5 hours, some rock scrambling and a steep ascent if you do the walk clockwise
- Gleann Easan Biorach and Glen Catacol circuit via Loch na Davie. A walk into the hills using two magnificent remote glens (10 miles)
- Coire Fhionn Lochan, Loch Tanna and Glen Catacol. Catch the bus t0 Thundergay. Follow the route all the way back to the campsite (8 miles)
- Arran Coastal Way to North Sannox. The rocky coastline walk has points of geological and historic interest every step of the way. You'll need to catch a bus back. Corrie Golf Club Tearoom at North Sannox serves refreshments (9 miles)
- Caisteal Abhail (The Castles). Climb Arran's second highest mountain via Gleann Easan Biorach and Sail an Im. There is no marked path. You can return to North Sannox car park where you can catch a bus back to the campsite (8 miles)
Useful links:
- www.arrancoast.com
- www.arranbikeclub.com
- www.coastalway.co.uk
- www.arranwildwalks.co.uk
- www.arranbirding.co.uk
Activities
- Family outdoor activities at Lochranza Centre. See www.lochranzacentre.co.uk
- Play golf! Lochranza Golf Course welcomes families and it's right next to the campsite
- Arran Adventure offer bike hire, sea kayaking, gorge walking, climbing, mountain biking and archery. See www.arranadventure.com.
- Pony trekking is available at North Sannox www.northsannoxponytrekking.co.uk and Blackwaterfoot www.cairnhousestables.com
- Mogabout 4 x4 offer safaris: http://www.mogabout.com
Other Highlights of Arran
- Goat Fell, Arran's highest mountain
- Brodick Castle, Gardens and Country Park
- Arran Heritage Museum at Brodick
- Machrie Moor Stone Circles
- Kings Caves at Blackwaterfoot
- Holy Island reached by ferry from Lamlash
- Glenashadale Falls at Whiting Bay
It's playtime!