THE GREAT OUTDOORS OF ARRAN
At nearly 432 square kilometres and with the population of roughly 4,600 people mostly living in the populated coastal villages, Arran is largely a great untouched wilderness, a utopia for nature lovers and an explorers haven for lovers of the great outdo
With a burgeoning tourist industry aimed at the enjoyment of Arran's natural heritage, there is an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy. From scenic self guided walks to professionally guided tours there are a variety of ways to enjoy Arran's scenery. From kayaks to bicycles and Segeways, all the way to a go-anywhere Unimog, there are various organisations that can make the inaccessible, accessible, and in comfort too. Scotland's right of access laws allow visitors the opportunity to explore nearly every square metre of Arran's wondrous mountains in the north of the island to the lush forested areas in the South. And thanks to dedicated teams of both private and public organisations such as the Forestry Commission and the National Trust for Scotland, Arran has some of the most expansive and well maintained footpaths in Scotland -helping to get you to remote and beautiful places. Helping to ensure that visitors get to experience most of Arran's top natural attractions such as Glenashdale Falls, Kings Cave, North Sannox and parts of Goatfell, the Forestry Commission, Scotland take care of Arran's forests, woodlands and natural environment. While not only protecting these areas, they also promote the sustainable management of them and encourage visitors to come and enjoy them through collaborations with tourist organisations and environmental groups.Also involved in the setting out of regulatory care, the Forestry Commission play a huge part in ensuring that Arran, of which a quarter of the island is covered by forests, is accessible for visitors to enjoy. The lure of adventure is what powers the ethos of the Arran Adventure company, offering exhilarating guided gorge walking tours - while being able to take in the stunning scenery - the unforgettable experiences will allow you to absorb Arran's natural beauty in a unique and interesting way. Not just for the adrenaline junkies, slower and more sedate methods of exploring are also available with road and mountain bikes available for hire. Cycling is one of the best ways of exploring Arran to help find those hidden gems such as desolate beaches and isolated beauty spots.You can also discover stunning vistas and scenic locations without any strenuous pedalling by joining a tour of Arran's only off-road Segeways which will power you through the scenic Glencloy without raising a sweat. For an ever slower paced, but equally enjoyable activity, Arran Adventure also offers archery sessions which is a popular and fun way of enjoying the outdoors while also experiencing and learning a new skill. Dedicated to the enjoyment of the great outdoors, the Arran Outdoor Centre in Lamlash specialises in fun activities
for children, adults and families. Offering kayaking, sailing, mountaineering, mountain biking, climbing, abseiling and gorge walking there is something for everyone of all ages and abilities. Able to offer professional guides and instructors, the Arran Outdoor Centre goes out of their way to tailor their activities to individual and group needs, offering half day and full day activities they also offer accommodation and complete holiday packages. For booking, availability or more activities be sure to check out www.arranoutdoor.com/ The Centre is also fully accessible to clients with additional support needs. Arran Bike Hire on Shore Road, Brodick offer so much more than just bikes and safety equipment. Opening up a world of adventure for both road and off road cyclists they will equip you to safely explore Arran's roads, mountains and scenic areas with quality and modern bicycles that will take the worry out of transporting your own bicycle to the island. There are also children's bikes to include the whole family in the fun and healthy activities and they can even provide cyclists with suggested routes and locations to explore at your leisure. Booking can be made online at www. arranbikehire.com/ Tennis coach Innes McNicol who has many years of coaching experience on the mainland is seeking to develop youth, adult and tennis in general on Arran. Offering coaching to any age or ability, by the hour or half-hour, he will help to improve your game.Training sessions take place at the Lamlash tennis courts and can be for individuals or for groups. For prices or further information Innes McNicol can be contacted on 01770 700296 or innes. mcnicol@outlook.com. At Lochranza Golf Course you can combine a leisurely game with enjoying the outdoors while also enjoying the local
wildlife. Lochranza Golf Course stretches from the hills at the head of the glen to the waves at the head of the loch and you are likely to see wild red deer as you play and, if you look up, you may see golden eagles soaring. Besides the beautiful nine-hole, par 34 course there is also a pitch and putt in which no hole is longer than 120 metres. Lochranza Golf Course is a pay-and-play course so there is no need to book.They have clubs and trolleys available to hire and dogs on a lead are most welcome. Prices are affordable and they offer fantastic value multi-day offers such as the Three Day Golf Pass which costs £30 per adult and gives you unlimited play over three days. For more great offers keep an eye on the website at www.lochranzagolf.com You can also make a day of your visit to Lochranza and enjoy combining golf with a visit to the Arran Distillery or Lochranza Castle. Now in its second year, the Arran Art trail provides the opportunity to go on an artistic journey through Arran’s dramatic landscapes following a trail of studios and workshops, finding out how the beautiful island inspires the creative people who live and work here. The small studio signs direct visitors and local people to undiscovered places with some spectacular views. It includes 17 venues, potters, painters, jewellers, sculptors, wood turners, photographers, textile workers, glass workers and furniture makers as well as venues and galleries exhibiting local artists work all year round. A printed brochure is available on the ferry, at the Visit Scotland tourist office and other venues around the island.There is also an annual celebration of visual art on the island, the Arran Open Studios weekend event, in August. This year August 10 to 13, when many more artists and crafts people open their studios and workshops to the public. For more information on Arran Art Trail and the Arran Open Studios weekend event, visit www.arranopenstudios.com Situated right on the shore front in Brodick Arran Active has everything that you could want or need to enjoy the great outdoors. From camping equipment to hiking and outdoor necessities such as maps and guidebooks, the large and well equipped shop specialise in outdoor clothing and footwear for all the family. With regular special offers, there are always bargains aplenty and a wide range of stock to select from. If it is outdoor related, Arran Active is bound to have it, and if they don't, they will happily try and source it for you. From well known brand names to affordable quality products,
Arran Active has you covered from head to toe, for all of your outdoor needs. The Arran Ranger Service has a busy summer planned with lots of opportunities for folk to experience some of Arran’s wildlife close at hand.This week kicks off with red squirrel and badger watches. During the summer they will be doing the usual seals and shore walks, land rover safaris and bushcraft skills for kids. They are also teaming up with the Geo Ranger to offer a new wildlife and geology safari. Visit Brodick Country Park to let your kids go wild in the fantastic adventure playground and once they’ve let off steam, try out the new squirrel hide. Sitting quietly you may well be lucky and catch a glimpse of their resident red squirrels. For more information and booking details visit the Arran Ranger Service facebook page or www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodickcastle-garden-country-park/events