Isle of Arran Adventure from Edinburgh

Depart Edinburgh and travel west to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, then into Ayrshire to visit the 18th Century Culzean Castle.  The Castle dates from a peaceful time in Scottish  history and has been associated with the Kennedy family since the 14th Century.  Enjoy its dramatic cliff top setting, fine furniture and beautiful architecture by the famous architect Robert Adam. The castle is surrounded by Culzean Country Park (entrance fee) which has nearly 600 acres of stunning countryside and paths through majestic woodlands and secluded ponds, it’s a great place to explore. There is a café for lunch or you can to have a picnic in the castle grounds.

After lunch you head into the heart of Burns Country.  Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, was born in Alloway.  Travelling towards his birth place you can see many of the places mentioned in his poems and songs.  You stop at the recently redeveloped visitor centre in Alloway where you have the opportunity to find out more about this remarkable man. Perhaps his most famous song is ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – sung on New Year’s Eve throughout the world.

You continue to Ardrossan where you catch the ferry to the Isle of Arran. You arrive into Brodick, the largest village on the island, which offers stunning views of the imposing stature of Goatfell, Arran’s highest peak and Brodick Bay.  You will be dropped off at your accommodation in Brodick.

Overnight - Brodick

Known as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, Arran is alive with wildlife, rugged countryside, beaches, pubs, restaurants and cottage industries. There are many options of how you can spend your time on the island, depending on the weather and the groups’ interest; your driver guide will arrange the best day out for you.

The north of the island is mountainous with the highest point on Arran - Goatfell.  Measuring 874m. The name is believed to mean “Mountain of Wind”. The village of Corrie and its neighbouring village of Sannox sit in its shadow and are home to some of the best beaches on the island, inviting you to take a leisurely stroll. At Lochranza you find the ruins of Lochranza Castle and also Arran Distillery, one of the last remaining independent distilleries in Scotland. Arran is home to many stone circles and standing stones dating from the Neolithic period and the early Bronze Age. Machrie Moor has six stone circles and some of the stones are over 5 meters high! After exploring this area you travel south through the harbour villages of Blackwaterfoot - with its beautiful beach - Sliddery and Kildonan.  

Travelling back to Brodick you can see The Holy Isle across the water. Owned by the Samye Ling Buddhist Community, it includes the Centre of World Peace and Health.

You might make a stop at the Arran Cheese shop for a taste of the local cheese or Arran Aromatics, a family owned business, which uses only natural ingredients to produce their  luxury toiletries, their products are now famous all over the world.

At Brodick is Brodick Castle and in the shadow of this imposing red sandstone castle you also find Arran Brewery. This microbrewery blends naturally with its stunning surroundings, combining the islands unique water and the finest local ingredients. You can sample this ale in many of the local pubs and restaurants, a perfect way to round off your day!

Overnight - Brodick

Today you return back to the mainland by taking the small ferry running between Lochranza and Claonaig. This short 30 minute crossing will take you onto the Kintyre Peninsula. You travel up this beautiful, lush green peninsula along its coastal road to the charming fishing village of Tarbert.  The name Tarbert comes from the Gaelic word tairbeart. – tar meaning  “across” and beir  meaning “carry”. The village sits on the narrowest strip of land between the two bodies of water, forming a natural harbour. In past times ships docked in one loch, their loads were then carried across the peninsula to the other loch where they were reloaded and shipped onwards. This meant the ships avoided having to sail round the dangerous Mull of Kintyre.

From Tarbert you follow Loch Fyne towards the whitewashed town of Inveraray, with some free time to explore this lovely area and have lunch. After lunch you continue over the Rest and Be Thankful mountain pass. From here is a short drive to Luss and “the bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond before returning to Edinburgh by 19:15.