Beautiful Arran is often described as Scotland in miniature – rugged mountain peaks, gentle farmland, forests, waterfalls, ruined castles and wonderful sea views. There is a wide variety of walking and on this trip we will be stretching our legs and lungs and doing some longer and higher walks at moderate level.
We will be hoping to climb Goatfell, the highest mountain and very nearly a munro, which rises from sea level to 874m on a well walked track. There is wonderful Lochranza on the north coast with its ruined castle where we can walk over Torr Meadhonach (332m) to Laggan and then round the rocky coast. There is the forested ridge along the Claughland Hills with its hill fort of Dun Fionn and fabulous sea and mountain views. And then Kildonan shore on the south-east coast where seals and otters can sometimes be seen if luck is with us.
We will be staying at comfortable Dunvegan House in Brodick, just a few minutes’ walk along from the ferry terminal. It’s a lovely red sandstone guest house which has beautiful sea views. Brodick has a few shops and is the main hub for ferries and the island buses. We will be eating out each night at local restaurants in either Brodick or nearby Lamlash.
The Isle of Arran is surprisingly easy to get to, with regular trains going from Glasgow to the port of Ardrossan, southwest of Glasgow. Trains take approx 45 mins. The ferries take an hour and there is no need to book as a foot passenger, but if taking a car you will need to book in advance. By car, Ardrossan is approx 7 ½ hrs from London, and 4 ½ hrs from Manchester.
Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1: Arrive in Brodick by ferry. Settle into the accommodation before the holiday briefing followed by dinner.
Day 2: Brodick Circular. A lovely picturesque walk heading south from Brodick through Claughlands up to the Dunn Fionn hill fort with its great views over Lamlash Bay and Holy Island. We then continue our walk along the ridge inland through woods to Glen Cloy and back to Brodick Bay. 9 miles, 260m ascent
Day 3: Lochranza. We travel to the stunning north of the island, home to golden eagles and red deer, and the main whisky distillery. We will walk from North Sannox along a quiet coastal path, and then ascend the saddle below Tor Meadjonach to come down to the very scenic village of Lochranza. 8 miles, 310m ascent
Day 4: Ascent of Goat Fell. We walk along the coast to Brodick Castle and then make the ascent of the imposing Goat Fell. This is a big climb but on a popular path, we will take our time and enjoy the extensive views from the top. We return on the same path and can stop at the Cladach cafe, perhaps have a wander in the grounds of the castle. 9 miles, 875m ascent
Day 5: Kildonan. This is a more gentle day when we go by bus to the SE corner of Arran to a very beautiful wild beach which has pretty islands offshore and a large seal colony. We can explore the shore, but also walk through woodlands to the Eas Mor waterfall 5 miles, 120m ascent. There’s a hotel for refreshments before we take the bus back to Brodick
Day 6: Ferries leave at various times for departures home. If there’s time in the morning we can stroll along Brodick shore for a last look at this beautiful island or even have a game of crazy golf.

• Price
• Grade
• Accommodation
• Guide
• Travel

Single Occupancy Ensuite £830 Twin Shared Ensuite £125 discount per person NB: If there is nobody to share a room with, the single occupancy price will apply. Price includes: 5 nights B&B accommodation; Packed lunch each day; Transport to walks. Not Included: Transport to Arran; Evening Meals (Your guide will arrange these for you); Insurance; Personal Expenses.

Walks of up to 10 miles on a mixture of paths and sometimes rough ground and uneven moorland. The pace will be moderate with opportunities to stop for photos, refreshment breaks, etc. Whatever the grade we aim not to rush past the scenery. Walks will involve ascents and descents for which you will need to be moderately fit.

Dunvegan House Guesthouse has a fabulous location on the seafront in Brodick. It is a homely, friendly place and perfectly situated for access to shops, transport and eateries.

Jo Bird has guided many times in Arran, a place she knows and loves. She has been guiding women's walking holidays for a number of years and also runs a fabulous B&B in Hebden Bridge. She has a passion for walking and the outdoors.

By train - Nearest train station is Ardrossan Harbour which is reached via Glasgow Central (not to be confused with Ardrossan Town station or Ardrossan South Beach) From London: there are hourly trains from Euston to Glasgow Central which take approx 5.5 hours. Change there for trains to Ardrossan Harbour, approx 45 mins. There is a covered walkway from the Ardrossan Harbour train station to the ferry terminal From Manchester: trains with only 1 change are approx every 2 hours – change at Glasgow Central, as above. Approximately 4hrs 45 mins. By car to Ardrossan Ardrossan is approx 7.5 hours from London, 4.5 hours from Manchester. There is secure parking in Ardrossan, no need to book, approx £4 per night. Head north on the M6 and then onto the M74. Take junction 8 onto the A71 (Kilmarnock). After 30 miles, take the A78 (Ardrossan, Greenock) and then quickly onto the A738 (Saltcoats, Ardrossan) Ferry – the ferry links in with the arrival of trains from Glasgow – see the Calmac website for timetable information. http://www.calmac.co.uk/ The ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick takes one hour. Foot passengers do not need to pre-book, currently £4.20 each way. If taking a car on the ferry, the cost is approx £35 return and pre-booking is essential. Dunvegan House is just a few minutes walk along Shore Road from the ferry terminal.