The delightful island of Arran lies 12mi/19.2km off the Ayrshire coast and measures 20mi/32km in length, 11mi/17.6km in width. Covering an area of 101sq.mi/264sq.km, it is the biggest and at the same time most varied of all the islands in the Clyde.
The rugged north is characterized by hills - of granite, volcanic rock and red sandstone - deep valleys and broad moorland. South of the Highland Boundary Fault fertile soil and lower slopes predominate, so it is much more like the "Lowlands". In fact, the island is sometimes described as "Scotland in Miniature". Geologists in particular are fascinated by the island for it possesses, within a relatively small area, nearly all the different types of rock found in Scotland. Amateur archaeologists will find tumuli and monoliths to investigate and walkers can choose from many footpaths offering spectacular views. Thanks to the favorable climate provided by the Gulf Stream, azaleas, fuchsias, rhododendrons, palms and many rare mountain species thrive on the island. Anglers make for Drumadoon Bay in large numbers and there are also opportunities for pony trekking, tennis and watersports. The island has a total of seven golf courses.
Leave the northern coast and follow Glen Chalmadale through to Sannox Bay on the east coast. Glen Sannox leads inland from here to become one of Arran's wildest glens. The dramatic landscape that can be viewed from Fallen Rocks along the north coast emerged during the last Ice Age. Return to Brodick (6mi/9.6km) via Corrie with its golf course and trekking center.
About 2.5mi/4km further north from Machrie Moor stands another prehistoric site. The Auchagallon Stone Circle by Machrie Bay now consists of about fifteen red sandstone blocks.
Bennan Head marks the southern tip of the island and the Struey Rocks are well worth a closer look. The 82ft/25m deep "Black Cave" extends almost 150ft/46m under the cliff.
Blackwaterfoot with its twelve-hole golf course, riding center and good watersport facilities is situated on the south-west coast looking out to Kilbrannan Sound.
Kildonan Castle was once a royal hunting lodge when Arran belonged to the royal family. Scottish kings often came here to hunt the imported red deer. The dilapidated castle stands in an exposed but picturesque spot with a view over the sea.
King's Hill lies to the north of Drumadoon Bay. The caves in the vicinity were used as hideaways by Robert the Bruce and his men at the beginning of the 14th century. The biggest of the caves is called King's Cave after Scotland's national hero.
Carry on through Lagg, a peaceful resort with the pre-historic Kilmory Cairns, and on to Sliddery where the remains of a watchtower on Castle Hill overlook the western Firth of Clyde. The pretty valley of Glen Scorrodale leads back across the island to Lamlash.
Lamlash (pop. 620) is the second-largest village on the east coast. It is a popular resort with a sailing school, yachting club, fishing center and an attractive sandy beach.
The ferry port of Lochranza lies beyond Auchencar and Catacol. A golf course and the 400-year-old ruins of Lochranza Castle, once a hunting lodge for Scottish kings overlook the pretty bay. Cock of Arran, another 2mi/3.2km past Lochranza, is the northernmost tip of the island.
Address
Lochranza Tourist Office The Pier, Lochranza Isle Of Arran KA27 8AU Scotland
To reach the six Bronze Age stones (granite, old red sandstone) known as the Machrie Moor Standing Stones turn inland about 3mi/4.8km further north near Tormore, taking Moss Farm Road by Machrie Water. The stones are thought to date from ca. 1600 B.C.
At the southern end of Lamlash Bay lies the village of Kingscross and beyond here is Whiting Bay and a golf course. Just a little further south the road passes two waterfalls near Glen Ashdale.
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