Lochranza Campsite: There’s Loads to Do

Perfect for Photography

The view from Newton Point looking inland at the village of Lochranza and the castle is one of the most picturesque in all Scotland. The red deer will give you lots of opportunities to practise your close-ups.

Walks/ Bike Rides for All from the Tent Door

From strolls along Newton shore watching the seabirds and sunsets, to strenuous scrambles on spectacular mountain ridges; from slow cycling along the West coast to rough and rugged mountain bike tracks, there are routes in plenty to suit every taste.

Wildlife Watching

You don’t need to stray far from your tent to see wildlife. By staying quiet, unobtrusive and at a distance you will enjoy watching red deer, red squirrels , golden eagles and much more going about their daily business. Seals, otters, porpoises and even basking sharks can be seen whilst walking along the coast. Learn about Lochranza’s rich geological history, its wonderful wild flowers and interesting insects. Find out about the area’s unique wildlife including black adders and a special form of whitebeam tree.

Relaxation Therapy

Revive and recharge away from clamour, crowds and the hectic hubbub of mainland Britain. Breathe well and sleep well in the pure air and mild climate.

Traditional Attractions: History, Live Music and Whisky

In Lochranza you’ll find the Medieval Castle, the Isle of Arran Distillery and the Claonaig ferry to Kintyre. The summer season brings a busy programme of ceilidhs, historical re-enactments, galas and concerts.

Lochranza Golf: Great Golf for All

Take the opportunity to play Scotland’s favourite sport with our special offers for campers You won’t find long lists of etiquette and you won’t have to wait ages for a tee time- just enjoy the course at your own pace and all the natural distractions of scenery, golden eagles and red deer.

Perfect Days at Lochranza Campsite
Perfect for summer holidays and spring and autumn breaks

12 Highlights for Holidays at Lochranza Campsite

There’s lots to do on the Isle of Arran. Nowhere is far from anywhere else and most places are accessible using the round-the-island bus service. If you are coming to walk, there are many exciting mountain ridge walks besides Goat Fell, the island’s highest peak, to tackle. There is also the Arran Coastal Way. Around Lochranza, there are rewarding short routes right from the campsite gate. If you are a keen cyclist, you will find a whole range of on and off road routes to suit your taste.

For evening entertainments, you won’t find nightclubs on Arran, but throughout the summer months you will find a lively programme of ceilidhs, live music, talks and village events. Good food is plentifully available with restaurants, bars and hotels all round the island.

1. Walk to Laggan and round the Cock of Arran

This is a 4 hour walk, involving some scrambling over seashore boulders, which makes a perfect introduction to the scenery in the north of the island. You will see fresh perspectives of Bute and Loch Fyne. Look out for golden eagles, red deer, diving gannets, seals, otters and porpoises. Between Laggan and Newton Point see if you can find the giant prehistoric millipede tracks, Ossian’s Cave, the Cock of Arran, Fairy Dell and Hutton’s Unconformity ( a world-famous geological feature).

2. Watch a west coast sunset from Lochranza’s Medieval Castle

3. Bike to Kintyre

Hire cycles from The Sandwich Station (if you haven’t brought your own) and catch the small ferry to Claonaig on Kintyre. Cycle along the coast to Skipness (2 miles) looking at Arran’s wonderful mountainous skyline from a distance. At Skipness there is a Medieval castle, in which you can climb right to the top, a seafood restaurant, a village post office selling refreshments and a sandy beach.

4. Play putting or golf at Lochranza Golf Course

You can watch red deer watching you at the same time.

5. Witness the production of whisky at the Isle of Arran Distillery As well as tours, the Distillery has a café, shop and art gallery.

6. A North Island tour of history

Travel west on the island perimeter road, by bus, car or bicycle, to Machrie Stone Circles. There is a small car park on the west side of the road, opposite a signposted track. A walk of about a mile will bring you into this fascinating prehistoric landscape.

From Machrie, you can continue your journey south as far as the Kings Caves, where a circular walk takes you to the caves on the raised seashore. You’ll also get good views of Drumadoon’s spectacular cliffs.

Nearby Blackwaterfoot has a sandy beach for hot days.

A return journey over the String Road, built by Thomas Telford, will complete your North Island tour.

You will find shops/ cafes at:

The Old Byre Showroom

Machrie Golf Course

Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot

Duchess Court on the road north from Brodick

The Rock Pool, Corrie

7. Sample island sport

The possibilities include:

Golf at one of the 7 island courses: Lochranza, Corrie, Brodick, Lamlash, Whiting Bay, Shiskine and Machrie

Pony trekking at North Glen Sannox,

Arran Adventure for sea kayaking, archery, climbing, mountain biking, canyoning and more

Paragliding with Flying Fever

Auchrannie Spa and Leisure Centre for swimming and sports hall games

8. Walk in wild glens: Gleann Easan and Glen Catacol

This circular walk will take you about 5 hours. You will walk under crags where eagles nest and up to remote Loch na Davie. You will see Arran’s unique whitebeam trees and you may catch a glimpse of Arran’s black adders too. In Glen Catacol there are beautiful clear pools for hot feet to paddle in.

9. A Brodick Day

Visit the beautiful and sheltered woodland grounds of Brodick Castle, but don’t forget to check out the National Trust Rangers’ programme of informative activities and tours first.

Whilst you are in Brodick, you will find that the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum is well worth a visit.

Both the castle and the museum have cafes.

10. Holy Island

Holy Island is reached by ferry from Lamlash. The island belongs to the Buddhist organisation, who welcome visitors to share the tranquillity and wildlife of the island.

11. Walk by waterfalls in North Glen Sannox

12. Go wild swimming in Coire Fhion Lochain

Swimming in the shallows makes all your senses tingle even on hot days; settle for a picnic at this lovely mountain loch in chillier weather. It is reached by a two mile walk from Thundergay.

And there’s lots more to see in the south of the island………