Referred to as ‘Scotland in miniature,’ the Isle of Arran offers a captivating blend of highland and lowland landscapes, complete with sheep, hairy coos, waterfalls, and white sand beaches. Easily accessible with a 1-hour ferry ride from the west coast of Scotland, Arran boasts diverse terrain, making it a geologist's paradise with rocky outcrops, caves and historical sites, including fossilised dinosaur footprints.

Explore the renowned Arran Coastal Way known as one of "Scotland's Great Trails." This well-established trail was conceived by locals (Hugh McKerrell and Richard Sim) in the 1990s who had a dream to create a walk around the island’s entire coastline. It has now become a reality through community funding which has helped with access, signage, and trail laying.

Walking around the Scottish island experience quiet roads, coastal paths, rocky shores, forests, and mountain trails. A particular highlight is ascending Goatfell (874m), the island's highest point, providing a challenging yet rewarding hike with spectacular views of the Scottish mainland and Holy Island.

Arran holds geological significance, featuring rocks spanning over 500 million years with evidence of changing environments and fossilised tracks of ancient creatures. It’s known for its famous boundary fault where James Hutton in the 1780s demonstrated rock unconformity and showed the great age of the earth. There are not many places where over 3 kilometres you can see evidence of changing environments that span more than 100 million years from Devonian to Permian times. The island also has fossilised tracks of giant millipede called Arthropleura as well as Chirotherium dinosaur hand and footprints.

Located where the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea meet, the Isle of Arran is a convenient visit from Glasgow which promises a week filled with natural wonders, historical intrigue, amazing wildlife and unforgettable landscapes.

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Isle of Arran highlights

 

Why travel with us

Personal Experience of the Isle of Arran

Our team have been walking and cycling on the British Isles for over 5 decades. We are passionate about the United Kingdom, active holidays and delivering exceptional service. We have travelled to virtually every corner of the UK and Europe to bring a multi-disciplined, multicultural and whole-hearted love of all things travel.

Great Value & Quality Trips on the Isle of Arran

Our active holidays on the British Isles are well priced offering great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps and guide books along with bag transfers and locally-run accommodation. When you book, your trip will be fully organised by a dedicated member of our in-house team, so you will always know who you are dealing with. We take the stress out of organising your active UK island break.

Local Knowledge of the Isle of Arran

We place great emphasis on researching, planning and crafting innovative island itineraries to ensure you get the very best experience out of your trip. We believe relationships are important and have been working with many of our hoteliers and local suppliers on the islands for years. This means that they know exactly what our travellers expect.

Responsible travel

 

Reducing Waste

Our Waste Management Policy encourages our travellers to take their own reusable water bottles, coffee cups and reusable stuff sacks to avoid single use plastics.

Supporting Local

In the British Isle regions that we travel through tourism is the main source of income for many local people. We support them by working with local family run accommodations and suppliers so that your money actually assists the community that hosts you.

Paddock to Plate

The paddock to plate concept is one we encourage by choosing to work with accommodations that source produce from local farms. This provides you with fresher meals and ensures your money directly assists local economies.

Accommodation

Hotels & Guesthouses

Often family run, these charming hotels and B&Bs range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Trip reviews

Essential information

Currency

Pounds sterling

International Dialing Code

+44

Electricity

Electricity in The United Kingdom is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is G (UK – 3 prong).

Visas

Visas are not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us. Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice. We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration. We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements. Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.