Walking the Isle of Arran: Two Ways to Explore
The Isle of Arran is one of those places that works brilliantly for a short break. It’s compact, varied, and feels a long way from everyday life without being hard to reach. That’s why Large Outdoors runs two different three-night walking trips here, both fully guided, small group, and car-free with travel included from Glasgow.
They share the same base, the same friendly atmosphere, and the same focus on good walking. What’s different is how big the walking days feel.
Our Base: Lochranza and Life Around the Hostel
Both trips are based in Lochranza, right at the north end of the island. It’s a quiet spot, backed by hills and looking out towards the sea, with walking routes straight from the door.
Our base is the youth hostel in the village. It’s simple, friendly, and very well placed for exploring Arran.
One thing people always comment on is the wildlife around Lochranza. Red deer are a regular sight in and around the village and hostel grounds. They’re used to people and often wander surprisingly close, especially in the mornings and evenings. It’s not unusual to look up from breakfast or an evening drink and see them passing by outside.
Scenic Walking Holiday: A More Relaxed Way to Explore Arran
Our Scenic Walking Holiday – Explore the Isle of Arran is the more leisurely of the two trips. The walking stays mostly away from the higher fell summits, focusing instead on coastal routes, glens, and lower-level hills.
Days are steady and social, with time to enjoy the views, spot wildlife, and take in the character of the island. It’s ideal if you enjoy walking but don’t want long, demanding days or big ascents.
This trip works well for people who want to explore Arran on foot at a comfortable pace, with the reassurance of a guide and a small, supportive group.
Full details here:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/scenic-walking-holiday-explore-the-isle-of-arran-scotland
Mountain Walking Holiday: Bigger Days in the Arran Hills
The Mountain Walking Holiday – Isle of Arran is aimed at those who enjoy more active days out. The focus here is on longer routes, higher ground, and more sustained walking, making the most of Arran’s rugged interior.
These are fuller days with more ascent, but still guided, well-paced, and sociable. It’s a good choice if you’re comfortable with hill walking and want to spend your time exploring Arran’s wilder side rather than skirting around it.
You still return each evening to the same relaxed base in Lochranza, sharing meals and stories from the day.
Full details here:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/mountain-walking-holiday-on-the-isle-of-arran-scotland
Two Trips, One Island, Very Different Feel
What we like about running both trips is that they show just how flexible the Isle of Arran is as a walking destination. Whether you prefer gentler coastal routes or bigger mountain days, you get the same sense of island life, the same wildlife encounters, and the same friendly group atmosphere.
Both trips are small-group, fully guided, and designed so you can focus on enjoying the walking rather than worrying about logistics.
If Arran’s been on your list for a while, choosing between these two trips is really about how you want your walking days to feel.
To explore all upcoming trips and dates, visit the Trip Calendar:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/trip-calendar
If you have any questions at all, the Large Outdoors team is always happy to help.
New to Large Outdoors? Start your journey here to see how our trips work and what to expect before booking:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/new-to-large-outdoors-start-here
