Awesome Arran
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Maximum adventurers: 16
Departure point: Edinburgh Waverley/Glasgow Central stations
Drop off point: Edinburgh Waverley/Glasgow Central stations
Mountains, mystical Machrie Moor and much more
Explore one of Scotland’s most beautiful and easily accessible islands with this 3 day taster adventure to the Isle of Arran – “Scotland in Miniature” – a beautiful mountainous island in the Clyde Estuary between the Scottish mainland and the Mull of Kintyre.
Arran captures many aspects of the variety and beauty of Scotland, from sculptured granite mountains in the north to tranquil sandy bays and rich gardens in the south.
The island also has an abundance of wildlife, especially seabirds and seals but also deer, otters and golden eagles. There are coastal caves and trails, high mountain walks and spectacular views over the surrounding islands, the Highlands on the mainland and even the Antrim coast of Ireland. For anyone unfamiliar with this island let us convince you that it has everything the Scottish Highlands have to offer.
Day 1 – Friday, 1st October: Arrival and easy coastal walk
We will travel over to the coast by train, leaving Edinburgh Waverley at 0641 (Glasgow Central at 0833), taking the CalMac ferry over to Arran at 0945. The crossing takes about 1 hour, just enough time to relax and take in your first views of the island – a dramatic skyline with Goatfell holding pride of place and 16th century Brodick Castle watching over our approach.
After a short picnic lunch we drop off luggage at our accommodation and then drive to Lochranza in the north of the island with its picturesque 16th century castle. Here a path heads off round the north east point of Arran – the Cock of Arran – for a coastal walk that is one of the very best on the island. The sea here is being visited more regularly now by Minke Whales, porpoises, dolphins and basking sharks – so keep your eyes peeled! The return route takes us over the back of the peninsula, opening up further the views to the mainland – 6 miles, 500ft ascent, footpaths with beach walking in places.
Day 2 – Saturday, 2nd October: Sea Kayaking or Arran Bike Tour
Today we will split into two manageable groups: sea kayaking around Lamlash Bay and Holy Isle where the Centre for World Peace & Health is to be found with plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife and seabirds or road/mountain biking around the northern half of the island, which likewise has opportunities for spotting wildlife, especially seals basking on Arran’s beaches at low tide. The cycle trip will also stop off at Machrie Moor to view the well preserved and moody stone circles dating from the Neolithic and early Bronze Age, as well as a couple of rural pubs and cafes. The cycling isn’t entirely laid-back however, as there are two challenging hills involved (35 miles and two 900ft road passes). Both groups will meet up for a post adventure whisky tasting at the Arran Distillery.
Day 3 – Sunday, 3rd October: Ascent of Goatfell – departure
The ascent of the island’s highest mountain starts from our accommodation in the picturesque village of Corrie and follows cascading mountain streams up a well-marked path to the summit. Views open up through 360°, and this is a superb place to linger, picking out the mountains of the Scottish mainland 80km/50 miles away, and more away, and in the opposite direction, tracing the northern coastline of Ireland. We continue along the ridge to North Goat Fell, either by easy paths or via some interesting pinnacles! A simple descent returns us back down to Corrie. (6.5m/10km, 874m/2850ft, good trail, 5 hours). After freshening up we are then transported to the early evening ferry back to the mainland where transport to the ATTA event awaits (travel time Ardrossan-Aviemore circa 4 hours).
Trip Design, Logistics & Guiding: Walkabout Scotland
As one of the leading walking holiday tour operators in Scotland, we offer you an unrivalled walking and hiking experience through the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
This Pre-Summit Adventure is supported by North Ayrshire Council
