Itinerary #1: Arran
Arran
The Isle of Arran, often referred to as 'Scotland in miniature', offers endless opportunities to explore.
Whether you are looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in the rugged landscapes, or a place to relax and unwind to enjoy the wealth of tasty local produce - there is something for everyone...
From campsites to high end luxury lodges, bed & breakfasts and hotels, there is accommodation to suit every need and budget.
For the foodies ...
Arran is Scotland's foodie island - you will be hard pressed to find a more varied selection of food and drink (much of it locally produced), anywhere in Scotland. Take your pick from the many restaurants to enjoy a spot of lunch.
Mara Fish is a family run seafood takeaway and deli located in Corrie, overlooking the coast. 'Mara' comes from the Scottish Gaelic word meaning 'the sea', and they offer the best of Arran and Scotland's seafood, sourced from local suppliers. Aside from mouth-watering seafood dishes, they also stock a range of deli items including the Blackwater Bakehouse bread and local milk.
Also in Corrie, the Corrie Hotel provides a warm welcome offering great good and local drink, and one of the best beer gardens on Arran with amazing views across the Firth of Clyde.
The west coast is home to some of the world's best whisky and some of the most popular gins. Fancy a dram? Then look no further than sister distilleries Lochranza Distillery located on the North of the island, or Lagg Distillery located in the South, both offering guided walk-through tours. Slainte!
For the thrill seekers ...
Arran boasts dramatic mountain peaks, sheltered beaches and forests, so there are plenty of opportunities for those who love the outdoors.
Enjoy the fresh air and take in the spectacular surroundings of Arran on one of the many walking trails available. From low-level walks such as the Fisherman's Walk - a beachside walk in Brodick, to the more challenging hikes such as Goatfell with panoramic views over Arran and the surrounding ridges and peaks, there is something to suit every ability.
At Otter's Trail , explore the blue waters of Arran by kayak, suitable for both beginners and advanced sea paddlers. Look out for local wildlife such as seals, otters, porpoises, and sea birds!
For the culture and history enthusiasts ...
Like many Scottish Islands, Arran is steeped in history guaranteed to take you back in time. Visit Brodick Castle , previously a seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, located in woodland at the foot of Goatfell. Wander around the many trails in the castle gardens or enjoy an interactive experience inside the castle with a Victorian arcade, mood lighting and sounds - a perfect day out for all the family.
One of Arran's heritage walks will take you across a moorland to the rich archaeological site of the Machrie Moor standing stones. The mesmerising standing stones along with stone circles, burial cairns and hut circles, all date between 3500 and 1500 BC.
For those looking to relax and unwind ...
The skilled therapists at Auchrannie Resort 's spa provide a range of packages and treatments using the finest of products, including Ishga - harnessing the powers of pure Scottish seaweed.
Step off the beaten track and enjoy a cocktail on the beach at Arran Botanical Drinks . They use local, hand-picked flavours, created in their very own botanical kitchen, where you can see, touch and tase the ingredients foraged from Arran's natural larder whilst looking out over the coastline.
For the little ones ...
Bellevue Farm hosts farm tours and experiences for all the family. Guided by one of the team, help with day-to-day farm work like feeding the animals or collecting the eggs, whist learning about how farm life changes with the seasons. Meet the local animals such as sheep, goats and alpacas!