Rising dramatically from the sheltered waters of the firth of Clyde, Arran is dominated by the sweeping slopes of Goat Fell, giving you a good foretaste of your destination. Arran is a fascinating island that casts it’s unique magic on all our visitors. Big enough to offer a wide variety of activities yet small enough to retain it’s island atmosphere.
For a leisurely day why not sample tea and cakes on the patio at Brodick Castle, take a trip back in time at the Heritage Museum, take a tour around the distillery or visit Holy Isle in Lamlash Bay.
The island has many renowned artists and craftsmen, their work can be seen at various galleries and workshops around Arran.
The 2008 Arran events link will give details of activities taking place on the island, look out for Folk Festival, Wildlife Festival, Highland Games and the Outdoor Festival.
Walking
Walkers on Arran are spoilt for choice. From where ever you are on the island the 874 metre peak of Goat Fell is always present. It is Arran’s highest point and the views from the top are spectacular. However, there are many more fine hills and ridges waiting for your attention.
The Coastal Way is another exciting walk. You can meander around the island (usually counter-clockwise) for over 60 miles (100km). The Way can be attempted in manageable stages - where better to be based than at The Glenartney?
Please take care when attempting this interesting walk. Pay attention to the times of the tide - particularly on the lower coastal section. Walking on the shoreline you will encounter boulder fields; these can be treacherous in wet weather. Also be prepared for a bit of road walking, although the route has been waymarked (small posts with a yellow indicator) they can easily be obscured by dense foliage in the summer months.
If you wish to hire a qualified mountain guide please see the link to Wild Walks on Arran .
Always be prepared - walking along Arran's paths you will encounter wet conditions even in dry spells! Gaiters will be very useful! Hill walking here can be very deceptive. Always carry a whistle, torch, map and compass (and know how to use them!), as well as the usual emergency stuff.
There are many interesting early settlements on the island, some dating back to the bronze age. The most impressive is Machrie Moor with it’s stone circle and burial chamber. Legend also has it that Robert the Bruce sheltered on the island while fleeing his enemies. The King’s Cave is where he was inspired by the efforts of a small spider. There are numerous woodland and glen walks on offer too. Watch out for the red deer, red squirrels and the many varieties of birds of prey.
Mountaineering and rock climbing
Mountaineering and rock climbing. Strictly for the connoisseur, Arran boasts some of the best ridge scrambles in the British Isles, these are what we call “Big days out”. There are also a host of classic mountain routes for novice and die-hard mountaineer alike, but for any of our guests venturing into the hills, we do ask for a route card to be completed just incase of emergencies.
If you wish to hire a qualified mountain guide please see the link to Wild Walks on Arran ..
Golf
Arran boast four 18 hole, two 9 hole and one 12 hole golf courses, all with good playing conditions and spectacular scenery. There's the ‘Arran Golf Pass’, which offers a significant saving, if you fancy playing one golf course for each day of the week! We advise you to book your 'Tee' times during high season and weekends to avoid disappointment!
Biking
A varied cross-section of terrain awaits the cycling enthusiast. If you don't have your own bike with you there are all types available for hire on the island. The 56 miles around the island is long with plenty of steep inclines!
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The Island offers some challenging new mountain bike trails - please see www.arranbikeclub.com.
Mountain bikes can be hired from a variety of businesses on the island including Arran Adventure.
Horse riding and pony trekking
All standards of rider are catered for from experienced to novice. Riding hats that comply with current safety standards are provided. Advanced booking is recommended.
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Fishing
From sea angling from the beach or boat, where you might catch a glimpse of the seals, dolphins, or if you are lucky, a basking shark to river fishing for trout. There are plenty of choices including runs of sea trout from early/ mid July onwards. However, there is no river fishing allowed on Sundays. Fishing permits may be obtained from Brodick Tourist Information Office.
Other Activities
Spend a day learning to fly birds of prey with Hands on Hawking, please contact us for details.
There are many interesting birds on Arran, for details on Arran birding.
Learn to sea kayak and explore the coastline with Arran Adventure
Try your hand at archery at Arran Adventure
Take the small ferry to Holy Island where you can meet the resident Buddhist monks and explore a lot of the island
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