About the Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is a small island, roughly 20 miles long by ten miles wide, but whichever way you look at it, it has an awesome mountainous profile and amazing views in all directions. You can reach the island by Calmac ferry from Ardrossan in Ayrshire to Brodick and, in the summer season, the Catriona ferry sails to and fro between Lochranza and Claonaig on Kintyre. A bus service operates round the island all year.

The main road on Arran follows the island’s coastline and Thomas Telford’s String Road links the eastern and western shores. Be prepared for slow travel and fabulous views.

Arran offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, including climbing, mountain walking, accessible walking, cycling, water sports and golf courses. If history, archaeology and heritage fascinate you, you will find ancient monuments scattered across the island. At the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum children and adults alike can enjoy and investigate life on the island through the centuries.

With very little industrial development over the centuries, Arran is rich in nature: bring your binoculars to spot the birds of mountains and coastlines, notice the array of wildflowers that bloom profusely because there has never been intensive farming on the island, and look out for west coast rainforest, endemic whitebeam trees and the wealth of fascinating geology.

An interesting way to explore is along the Arran Art Trail, which explores the studios and works of talented artists living and working on the island, often inspired by the landscapes around them.