An Arran blog by Jacqueline and Geoff, on and about the Isle of Arran, Scotland

5 Reasons to Visit the Isle of Arran

23/9/2014

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.

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.
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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!

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 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 over Brodick Bay

0 Comments

Deer, can you look this way?

26/9/2013

1 Comment

I have your full attention! - Male Deer

Lucky. Right lens, right place, right time. The moment, when you know as a photographer that the shot may elude you, but even so you walk on, not taking any frames until the time is just right. It should have a name, the moment that is. A weird space where the shot exists, but it doesn't as it's just in your head. And then it's real. Captured. A gem and you know it.

What were they looking at? I've no idea. They resumed chewing the grass, split apart, normallity regained and no longer modelling for the moment, whatever it's called.

GH.