When choosing a location to go glamping in Scotland one of our favourite spots is
The Isle of Arran
. Known as Scotland in minature, the Isle of Arran is one of Scotland’s most beautiful western Isles. With my granny living on the Isle throughout the 70s and 80s we spent endless long and what always seemed hot summer holidays where we were free to explore, play on the rocks, swim in the glens, jump off the stone jetties into the cool, turquoise seas, ride our bikes and climb real mountains. The trip from Norfolk was long however, there was always a cultural overnight spot to break up the journey. We stopped at Liverpool and another York where we were shown museums, cathedrals and as much history as my father could squeeze into the day before we were ready to immerse ourselves in a few weeks of nature and relaxation. One year we even took a the footsteps of Robbie Burns an interesting look at his life, poetry and local taverns including his birthplace in Alloway to his last home in Dumfries. That summer I spent alot of my time on the Isle of Arran reading and copying out poems such as Tam O shanter in the sunshine.
There’s a ferry ride to the Island from various locations. We always took the 55 minute Caledonian MacBrayne
boat from Ardrossan. The boat ride was a treat in itself, rushing to the boat restaurant for chips and macaroni cheese and then settling into the lounge area on deck waiting for the island to approach When the mountains appeared through the mist the excitement began to build.
The island has maintained it’s original charm from back in the 1970’s with it’s scenic, dramatic landscapes, delicious food and retro appeal. The island has changed from a quiet, family-oriented destination into a more vibrant, all year-round holiday destinations with a wider range of accommodation such as boutique and luxury hotels and of course glamping! Today on The Isle of Arran you’ll find the simple bike rides have turned in mountain bike trails. a simple larger in the pub at the Carrie Hotel or Brodick Bar my father’s cousin Stuart and Alison used to run have turned into the opportunity to explore and sample taste at Isle of Arran brewery.There’s also two distilleries on the island the more traditional distillery at Lochranza and the spectacular contemporary newly built Lagg distillery.
Of course the history still remains in all it’s glory. Take the steep climb from the road up to Brodick Castle through native woodland with conifers, yews, birches, exotic Eucalyptus and the spectacular Rhododendrons which are in abundance on Arran. At the top you’ll be confronted with a grand, red sandstone Victorian style Highland castle, set against the backdrop of the highest mountain on the Island Goat Fell. As children we climbed Goat Fell many a time, it was a moderately physically demanding walk and would take few hours starting with a gentle forest path before becoming much steeper with and rockier the nearer you get to the summit.
One of Arran’s most historic attractions in the Machrie Moor Prehistoric stone circles near Blackwaterfoot. After you’ve walked to the stones from the coast road treat yourself to Cafe Thyme at the Old Byre Visitor Centre. Here you’ll find wood fired Turkish style pizza and home cooked cuisine. We have spent many a lunchtime here enjoying some fantastic food, atmosphere and views across the sea. And you can pop into the shop and visitors centre next door too for some Arran knitwear and sheepskin.
The Isle of Arran is fabulous for golf with golf courses at Brodick, Lochranza, Corrie, Shiskine and Machrie Bay. If you don’t play a full round there’s there’s pitch and putt at Lochranza, great fun for a competitive family afternoon of entertainment.
I first discover my love for food at Hadleighs in Brodick. My granny would take me for lunch and the full display of deli items and colourful salads on plate along with a crusty piece of bread form Wooley’s bakery. sealed my love of food on Arran. Today you’ll still find Wooley’s of Arran bakery, Hadleighs has sadly gone but in it’s place you’ll delightful places to enjoy some wonderful food such as Cafe Mara specialising in fish at Corrie, The Shore on Whiting Bay, Stags Pavilion at Lochranza, The Fallen Goat and La Truffle noir, Number 16 Arran, and of course The Islands favourite ice cream at The Parlour.
You probably won’t want to leave the island, however, it’s close enough to the mainland to take day trip to Glasgow.with ferries four or five times a day from Brodick. Holy Isle from Lamlash Bay is also a trip taken for peace and wellbeing.
The Isle of Arran is not only journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Wark but favourite island too!
Stay in a Yurt on The Isle of Arran in Kilmory at Runach Arainn.
