Isle of Arran - Adventure & Explore
Explore the deep glens, granite peaks, beaches, caves, and hospitality of “Scotland in Miniature” on this 3-night epic Isle of Arran adventure!
Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 3 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Meeting Location: Glasgow or Ardrossan
Group Size: Maximum 8
Level: Leisurely
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
In a Nutshell:
Join a small group of outdoor explorers for 3 days of leisurely guided walks and cultural interest on the Isle of Arran.
Enjoy the best local food, eating out each night in nearby pubs and restaurants.
Watch out for wildlife and see historical sites of the most southerly island in the Hebrides.
Let us take care of the driving, navigation, and logistics and relax in hostel accommodation, so you can fully immerse yourself in the awesome experience.
Looking for more strenuous walks? Take a look at our Isle of Arran - Walking the Mountains experience.
How do we grade our walks?
Experience true tranquility and fantastic hospitality on Scotland’s Isle of Arran…
Arran is the most southerly of Scotland’s Hebrides, lying just across the Firth of Clyde, and is an easy hop from Glasgow. The island provides a magnificent and magical remote getaway in the Highlands, offering pristine cliffs and beaches, fantastic sea views, trails leading through the hills, and woodland nature reserves.
On this 3-night Adventure & Explore holiday, we’ll explore the coast, seeing beaches and caves, and following trails to look out for wildlife on the water. We could also head into the hills for some remote rambling, staying low but appreciating the fresh air you have by the gallon in Scotland’s mountains.
Wildlife on display can include golden eagles, red squirrels, otters, seals, and even basking sharks, so bring some binoculars!
For the history lover, there are ancient chambered cairns and settlements we can visit, and the stately Brodick and Lochranza Castles, telling tales of thousands of years of Scottish history.
You’ll stay in a seriously lovely hostel right on the shore, enjoying local fare with the group each evening in the area’s fantastic pubs and restaurants.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Our adventure begins! We offer Pickups from Glasgow, either from the city centre or airport, or at the Ferry Terminal in Ardrossan, where we board the lunchtime ferry to Brodick on the Isle of Arran.
After the hour-long ferry journey, we’ll head straight out for a bit of walking and exploring on Arran. We’ll most likely explore Kings Cave - a series of coastal caves said to have provided refuge for Robert the Bruce. These are the caves where Robert is said to have been inspired by a spider’s repeated and ultimately successful attempts to build a web. We might also visit Machrie Moor Standing Stones, dating to between 3500 and 1500 BC.
Following our walk, we’ll check into our hostel accommodation. Tonight, we’ll head out for some local fare for dinner (not included) and perhaps sample a locally produced single malt, whilst getting to know each other and discussing our plans for the days ahead.
Days 2 & 3
These are our full days out, exploring the best low-level walks and scenery Arran has to offer. We’ll consider the weather, and what the group is most excited to see, but we’ll aim to spend at least one day on a coastal walk and another amongst the valleys and hills. After breakfast each morning we’ll pack our lunches and head out to explore!
Some of our options include:
Waterfalls and Lochs: The dramatic Eas Mor waterfall and tranquil Loch Garbad provide a glorious backdrop for a leisurely walk. Keep an eye out for some of the iconic Scottish wildlife, including otters, red deer, red squirrels, and golden eagles.
Lochranza: Arran’s northernmost village - and our base for this trip - is nestled in a sheltered valley and home to a dramatic castle. It’s a favourite spot to see red deer, grey seals, and even golden eagles!
The Cock of Arran: A peaceful coastal trail along Arran’s eastern coast, offering stunning views to the Isle of Bute.
Glen Rosa: A stunning valley walk in the shadow of the dramatic Goat Fell, the highest peak on Arran. A great place to see some of the island’s fascinating flora and geological features.
For the history lovers, there are ancient chambered cairns and settlements we can visit, and the stately Brodick and Lochranza Castles. Whether we’re exploring the beautiful glens, or strolling along the coast, you’ll find Arran has a huge amount to offer.
Alongside our guided walks, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit local arts and crafts producers, and sample local food and drink (perhaps enjoying a visit to one of the island’s distilleries). We’ll stop in pubs, tearooms and cafés along the way, giving you the chance to refuel and relax with your fellow adventurers.
Each evening we’ll head out for fantastic local fare (dinners are not included) and conviviality at pubs and restaurants.
Day 4
With a heavy heart, today we’ll wave goodbye to Arran. After breakfast and checking out of our accommodation we’ll make our way back towards Brodick, taking in Arran’s beautiful scenery one last time.
The ferry will take us back to the mainland at Ardrossan and for those who took advantage of our Pickup service from Glasgow, we’ll drop you back off there.
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Meeting Time: From 9am - your Large Outdoors host will meet you in Glasgow, or at the Ferry Terminal in Ardrossan - please see Pickup options below.
Pickups (Day 1): when booking you can let us know which of the two Pickup locations below you’d like to be collected from.
Glasgow City Centre (Hotel) 9am at the ibis Styles, Glasgow Central, 116 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 7DN. Please note: a discount code for this hotel is available if you plan to stay in Glasgow the night before/after the trip - details will be shown on your booking confirmation email.
Glasgow International Airport 9:30am at the Pick-up & Drop-off area located outside the main terminal building in Car Park 2.
Ardrossan Ferry Terminal 11am at the main entrance/ticket office, Ardrossan, KA22 8ED. If you’re planning to drive this is a convenient option - especially when coming from the south - that avoids going into the centre of Glasgow. Long-stay parking (charges apply) is available at the Ferry Terminal. We can meet you here and transfer your luggage to the Large Outdoors vehicle before check-in for the ferry.
Returning to Glasgow (Day 4): We can return you to Glasgow on the final day. We aim to be back in Glasgow between 4-5pm and can drop you back in the city centre or at the airport. Please book onward travel accordingly, to allow for flexibility with the return time to the city centre or airport - we (sadly!) can’t control the traffic.
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We’ll base ourselves at the excellent Lochranza Youth Hostel for this getaway, heading out each day on in the Large Outdoors vehicle to explore Arran. The hostel accommodation offers comfortable rooms, shared living and dining area, a handy drying room and Wi-Fi.
Bedding and a towel is provided, but don’t forget to bring your own toiletries.
Room Types:
You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
Bed in a Shared Female Room
Bed in a Shared Male Room
Twin Room (en-suite)At this hostel there are primarily Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a dorm room - with bunk beds - with other participants (room sizes vary and bathrooms are shared). There are also some Twin Rooms with two single beds, which sleep up to two participants booking together (bathrooms are en-suite).
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Included:
Pickup service from Glasgow or you can meet us in Ardrossan - see the Meeting Location & Time section above.
3 nights’ accommodation at Lochranza Youth Hostel.
A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you and deal with the logistics for your experience.
Guided walks on 3 days of the trip.
A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).
A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for Days 2 & 3.
Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.
Bedding and towels - but don’t forget your own toiletries.
The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.
Not Included:
Travel to and from the meeting locations.
Dinner on 3 evenings - we’ll book a table at a local pub or restaurant to enjoy dinner as a group and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.
Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost, e.g. visitor attractions.
Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.
Alcoholic drinks - there’ll be opportunities to pick up some local tipples during the trip.
Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.
Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.
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As with all ferry travel, departure is reliant on timetables, which sometimes do have to change after publishing and/or after we have made bookings and communicated timings with you. Travel is also subject to suitable weather conditions, so it is possible that unforeseen delays or cancellations may occur.
If our outward journey to Arran is delayed or cancelled, meaning we must stay an additional night(s) in or near Ardrossan, Large Outdoors will attempt to arrange accommodation and the relevant costs will be charged to you (or you are welcome to source your own accommodation).
If our return journey to Ardrossan on the mainland is delayed or cancelled, meaning we must stay an additional night(s) on Arran, accommodation and food will be arranged by Large Outdoors and the relevant costs will be charged to you.
Large Outdoors cannot accept responsibility for any delays to onward journeys, or additional costs incurred by ferry changes or cancellations. Please ensure you have suitable travel insurance in place to enable you to recover such costs, as per our Terms & Conditions.
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Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.
Please note: although the walks on our Adventure & Explore experiences are generally classed as more leisurely options, you will need walking boots. There will be short steep sections and rocky/boggy/slippery ground to navigate, so it’s important you have suitable footwear.
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• What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is graded as Leisurely. Our Adventure & Explore experiences are all about discovering the best each area has to offer. They are designed to be great fun for all, with more leisurely walks interspersed with visits to historical and cultural sites, off-the-beaten-track cafés, wildlife-watching, and much more. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.• Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.• I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. This particular experience offers a little more flexibility catering wise, as evening meals are taken at local restaurants, so please contact us if you’d like to check whether it is suitable for your dietary needs.
*Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.• What transport is provided during this experience?
We offer transport with a Pickup service (see Meeting Location & Time section above) and transfers from the accommodation to the activity start points.• Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary. -
The Isle of Arran is the most southerly of Scotland’s Hebrides islands. Often referred to as ‘Scotland in miniature’, Arran boasts spectacular geological, historical, and wildlife sights around every corner. It’s an island of stunning coastal paths, dramatic hills and mountains, rivers, lochs, and beautiful beaches.
The island is famous for its culinary delights, including creamy cheeses, traditional oatcakes, locally brewed beers, and ice cream. Arran whisky, distilled on the island, is renowned amongst dram-lovers around the world.
This trip is part of our Adventure & Explore series:
Getaways in our Adventure & Explore series combine Leisurely to Active-level guided walks with plenty of time to enjoy the sights, culture, history, and spirit of the brilliant locations we head to. Alongside glorious guided walks that help you get the most from the landscape, you might take a wildlife boat trip, visit local arts and crafts producers, soak up the atmosphere in a quiet café, or explore historic sites.
Whatever your trip entails, it’ll be approached at a relaxed place. After all, this is a holiday to savour, not a challenge!
See where else out Adventure & Explore series could take you!
Book your Isle of Arran Adventure & Explore
Latest News, Blogs and Isle of Arran Galleries:
The Isle of Arran’s stunning natural environment is home to some of the UK’s most spectacular wildlife. From birds at the top of every twitcher’s must-see list, to playful mammals, every day promises a wonderfully wild encounter!