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5 Reasons to Visit the Isle of Arran

23/9/2014

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Reason No.1 'The Ferry'

And your holiday really does begin here.

Friendly staff, great fresh coffee, dog friendly and that amazing feeling of 'leaving it all behind' and heading off to one of Scotland's most accessible islands.

Caledonian MacBrayne operate regular daily trips to and from the Isle of Arran from the port at Ardrossan in North Ayrshire, and fares are now substantially reduced. Cars are over 50% cheaper (compared to a standard single) whilst passengers are nearly 30% better off.
Arran Ferry
Calmac ferry 'Caledonian Isles' heading out of Ardrossan

Reason No.2 'The Walk'

Beach, fell, forrest or path, it's going to be a good one, and Arran certainly has something for everyone no matter what your ability is. The mighty Goatfell rising to 874 meters or the gentle flat stroll along 'Fisherman's Walk' and many more in-between

Kit out the children (yes it might rain!) and they'll forget their game wizards and iboxes (sic) as they get immersed in the wonderment of waterfalls and wildlife.
.
Walk Arran
Glenrosa from Brodick

Reason No.3 'The Food'

Yes, Arran does a fantastic job with locally produced fare, but don't think our island is behind the times when it comes to creating mouth watering contemporary dishes in great surroundings.

Wherever you are on Arran you will not be far away from a cafe, bistro or restaurant that prides itself on preparing fresh ingredients with a touch of creative flare.

Do check on opening times if you are visiting out of season!
Arran Food
Sea food and more on Arran

Reason No.4 'The Wildlife'

And you have so much to choose from!

The north of the island, in and around Lochranza, you are bound to come across Red Deer.These will be either roaming the fell on the way to 'Fairy Dell' or on the golf course, and if you are really lucky you may just get a glimpse of the Golden Eagles by the distillery.

Although found in other areas of the coast, Seals are best discovered on the outcrops of rock in the south at Kildonan Bay.

In Brodick, on the 'Fisherman's Walk', you could be only meters away from one or two Herons, and really the list goes on; Red Squirrel; Sea Otters; Harriers; Dolphins; Gannets . . . 

Seal Arran
Seal basking near Kildonan

Reason No.5 'The Rainbows'

I don't think I'm going to shatter anyone's illusions by saying that if you visit Arran in Autumn you may get a shower or two!

The great thing about island weather, is one minute is never the same as the next and sunshine with rain equals rainbows. If you're fortunate you may get a full panorama like this one, or maybe a double arc heavily saturated against a moody black sky.

Enjoy them!
Rainbow Arran
Rainbow over Brodick Bay

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Pot of Gold waiting for you

29/10/2013

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Rainbows of Arran
Double rainbow over Blackwaterfoot beach, Arran, Scotland

Arran: Land of Rainbows

Maybe not the yellow shiny clinkety, clinkety stuff, but Arran can enrich the soul and deliver countless wealth in visual spectacle, day after day, all year round.

One of our first memories of Arran, from a visit in the autumn of 1998, is of jaw dropping panoramic rainbows which seemed to be everywhere and anywhere you turned. The late season's weather rarely remains constant, certainly in our corner of the island, and dramatic sky and seascapes are sure to be a part of your stay here on Arran.
Rainbow, Brodick on Arran Scotland
Panoramic rainbow on horizon - Brodick, Isle of Arran, Scotland
Only this morning I read that 'Lonely Planet' stated Scotland is in the top three countries to visit and with natural attractions such as these it is little wonder.

So come on. Grab a rucksack full of appropriate clothing, leave behind any ideas that the kids wont enjoy themselves without an X-Box and let them discover their own treasure just along our beach.

GH.

We already knew!> Lonely Planet says Scotland is third best country to visit http://t.co/FtgyqSSJMi #Arran

— Green Brae Barn (@ArranHoliday) October 29, 2013

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October Half-Term, an Arran Adventure

19/9/2013

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Arran Family HolidayArran Family Holiday October 1998
Arran for the First Time

Our first holiday on Arran was in October 1998. We had come ready, both physically and mentally, for whatever the weather might throw our way. We found wild contrasts. One minute there were rolling black clouds and heaving rain. It was all travelling so fast that in moments it would give way to crystal blue skies and a rich low sun. Not once did we have to settle for lengthy mid grey.

But the real magic lay in between: there were rainbows everywhere we looked. We counted thirty three in the course of the week, arcing across the sky and glittering in waterfalls. It was spectacular. Other vivid memories were the seals at Kildonan that made it look as if the rocks were moving; Geoff and Oliver with limpet rings for spectacles; Sam with head tossed back drinking the rain at King’s Cave. 

It’s a great time of year, and quieter than August!

JH.


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    Arran Blog

    Jacqueline and Geoff moved to the beautiful Isle of Arran in 2012, and have been visiting since 1998.

    With their hearts forever in Blackwaterfoot, they combine writing, storytelling and photographic talents, working on, and off the Island.


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