Take a trip with CalMac to see island’s treasures
Travelling to Arran is just so easy and cheap
ENJOY the best of Scotland and make memories to treasure by taking yourself and the kids off to Arran for a day or longer.
A short ferry trip across the Firth of Clyde – no more than an hour – it’s an island of ancient castles, sweeping scenery and wonderful wildlife.
Arran is often described as “Scotland in miniature”, and the island is a condensed version of the best that the country has to offer.
The skyline is dominated by the ridges of Goatfell, and the Corbett – a mountain between 2500 and 3000 feet high – is an easy enough walk if your kids have bundles of energy, good shoes, and the weather is fair.
Another good trek along part of the Arran Coastal Way takes you to the historic King’s Cave, one of several locations in which Robert the Bruce is said to have had his famed encounter with a spider.
But if you’d rather do something less strenuous, you can stroll through the gardens and country park at Brodick Castle. Rain or shine, Brodick Castle and its grounds make a brilliant day out with loads to do.
After two years of extensive works, the castle has reopened with a new visitor experience, focusing on the fascinating stories of the people who once lived in this baronial home.
Kids can also run, GETTING to Arran couldn’t be easier, with trains going from Glasgow Central Station to Ardrossan Harbour where you can catch a ferry.
The train takes about 45 minutes and the ferry journey to Brodick is less than an hour – and there are trains and sailings throughout the day.
Foot passenger prices are great – £8 for an adult return from Adrossan to Brodick, £4 for a child (5-15) return and kids under 5 go free.
It’s free to take a bike on board, so consider taking two wheels with you to help you explore this magical island. climb and swing through an adventure play area or look for fairies on the new Fairies and Legends Trail.
If your kids are fans of Tintin, introduce them to history with a visit to Lochranza Castle, which was the inspiration for the drawings in Tintin and the Black Island.
It has a fascinating history that dates all the way back to the 13th century.
Iconic Scottish animals such as red squirrels, otters, common seals, red deer and golden eagles thrive on Arran and the island is a refuge for threatened species, including hen harriers and red throated divers.
If you want to catch sight of the wildlife or learn more from a qualified guide, it’s worth booking a nature excursion and there are several companies on the island.
Brodick is the biggest village, with loads to do, so many people stick here on a day trip.
There are lovely shops, including chocolate shop James of Arran that’s worth a visit with or without children, and don’t forget to buy some of the famous oatcakes from Wooleys of Arran, the local bakery.
Arran is famous for its food and drink, music and fun, and with a variety of festivals throughout the year celebrating all of these, make sure you check an events guide online before you go to make the most of your trip.