Isle of Arran Attractions - Brodick Castle - Lamlash - Goatfell

Isle of Arran Attractions

‘Delightful at all times is Arran,’ or ‘Scotland in miniature.’ Just two accurate descriptions given to Arran and used often over the years. Arran has an allure that is both immediate and long lasting. Visitors return year after year.

The Island is 20 miles long and 10 miles wide. A good road can take you the 56 miles around the Island while two lesser roads cut across the Island. The Two main villages are Brodick and Lamlash both have lovely situations and spectacular bays. Brodick sits pretty under the magnificence of the towering Goatfell. Lamlash is harboured by the mystical Holy Island. The smaller villages have charms all of their own. Travelling around the Island the visitor will discover prehistoric remains, stone circles, mystical castles, sheltered harbours, large caves and waterfalls.

A major attraction is Brodick Castle, the ancestral seat of the Hamiltons, now under the administration of the National Trust for Scotland. Here you will find priceless works of art, exquisite furniture and one of the most important collections of silver in the country. Just as famous are the breathtaking gardens, with their incomparable collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and Magnolia.

Another famous landmark is the highest summit, Goatfell (windy hill) at 2866 feet, not quite the height of a Munro but still takes a slightly arduous three hours to climb up. Arran is a walker’s paradise with walks ranging from difficult climbs over peaks that are recognised as some of Scotland’s most magnificent, to coastal walks that rank among the most beautiful. For an insight to an earlier way of life visit the Heritage Museum in Brodick, where there is also a celebrated tea-room.

From Lamlash, take a ferry over to Holy Island. Owned by the Samye Ling Monastery of Buddhists, this sanctuary has been recognised as a sacred site. The visitor centre and guest house offer all types of holistic practices. It is possible to climb to the summit and walk around the coast, where you will see the wild sheep, goats and ponies.

Arran is famous for it’s golf courses and nearly every village has it’s own. All vary in difficulty but share spectacular locations. Also famed is the local produce which includes smoked seafood, malt whisky, award wining cheeses, chocolate shop, world famous toiletries, organic salad and herbs, and a plethora of locally produced crafts.

Arran’s accessibility certainly adds to its popularity. Ferries run frequently from two mainland points. The main route is from Ardrossan, on the Ayrshire coast, to Brodick by a large ferry capable of transporting more than 800 passengers and 100 cars. The other service is from Clonaig on the Mull of Kintyre to the lovely village of Lochranza, again by a car ferry albeit, much smaller.

Its true that Arran exemplifies so much of Scotland, that ‘Scotland in miniature’ is an apt description. ‘Delightful at all times is Arran,’ yes, it certainly is.

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