Introduction
Arran earns its nickname. In 20 by 10 miles you get everything Scotland offers, granite peaks, ancient stone circles, castle gardens, whisky distillery, sandy beaches, a luxury spa resort and coastal villages. It's an island that works as a standalone destination rather than a day trip, though people do both.
The north is Highland in character. Goatfell dominates, Brodick Castle sits in rhododendron gardens above the Firth of Clyde. The south is gentler, more Lowland, with Lamlash Bay and the standing stones at Machrie Moor. Auchrannie Resort in Brodick is the island's luxury anchor.
Arran Distillery in Lochranza produces single malt in a setting that justifies the detour alone.
Getting There
Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick (55 minutes). Ardrossan is 40 minutes by train from Glasgow Central. A smaller seasonal ferry runs Claonaig to Lochranza. Book ferries in advance in summer.
Areas to Know
Brodick is the main town with the ferry terminal, castle and Auchrannie. The A841 circles the island, one road, easy to navigate. Lochranza is in the north, Lamlash in the east.
