Along with dramatic landscapes, historic castles and heritage museums, the Isle of Arran is popular for its diverse wildlife and hiking trails. This charming Scottish island also features paragliders soaring from towering cliffs and numerous water sports.

Things to do

Embracing the outdoors is easy on the Isle of Arran, where you can hike the Coastal Way, ascend the heights to Goat Fell peak or drive the stunning coastline to spot waterfalls and wildlife. Hit the water in a sea kayak or opt for a thrilling day of gorge scrambling, paragliding and mountain biking.

History buffs can visit Brodick Castle to get a glimpse of Scottish noble life in the 1800s by exploring its hunting gallery, antique furniture and posh collection of horse-and-hound paintings. You can also browse small local stores nearby and stop for artisan cheese-tasting at Arran Cheese Shop.

Head over to Isle of Arran Heritage Museum to discover ethnographic artefacts, such as prehistoric stone tools, then explore the 4,000-year-old Machrie Moor Stone Circle. Walk along the picturesque path and stop to marvel at a burial cairn dating back to the Bronze Age.

Enter the world of Scottish libations by learning all about the whiskey-making process at the Isle of Arran Distillery. You can also tour the Isle of Arran Brewery, home to the popular Arran Dark beer, or sip drinks at Wineport, a cafe and bar serving upscale pub fare.

Getting around

Reach the Isle of Arran by passenger and car ferries from Ardrossan Harbour. In summer, you can also take a smaller ferry from Claonaig. The most convenient way to get around the Isle of Arran is by taxi, bus or rental bike. You can rent a car near the Brodick ferry pier.