Frequently referred to as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, the Isle of Arran has some seriously impressive geography and geology. Half is dramatically mountainous and sparsely populated, and half is lush green and flat. And the coastline is spectacular. Arran also has a diversity of flora and fauna that includes a tree native only to the island! While Arran doesn’t have its own airport, it does have its own brewery and distillery, and an excellent collection of places to eat and drink, many of them specialising in local produce and freshly landed seafood. The best places to stay on Arran all offer magical views, whether they’re a B&B or a converted country mansion.
The Isle of Arran is culturally similar to the Hebrides, and people come here for similar reasons as they visist in the Hebrides: they come to play golf — the island has several courses — enjoy some fabulous walking (the Arran Coastal Way circumnavigates the island’s 107kms, and a hike to the summit of Goat Fell, which, at 874m, is she highest peak on the island, and will offer views of Bute and Jura), plus enjoy the gorgeous beaches. Arran also has a number of National Trust properties, the best known probably being Brodick Castle. It was built in the 13th century, then converted into a more comfortable stately home to be used by the Dukes of Hamilton into the 50s — expect deer heads and horse ’n’ hounds paintings.
The best places to stay on Arran are scattered around the island, in Lamlash, opposite Holy Isle; Whiting Bay, which has a lovely white, sandy beach; and Brodick.