Private guided adventure on the Isle of Arran
Goatfell from Holy Isle
This trip takes you from Glasgow to the Isle of Arran. We'll follow in the footsteps of the Scots; Iron Age immigrants from the Irish kingdom of Dalriada, who colonised Scotland from the south. There are also prehistoric monuments on Arran. All of this is found in a unique seascape setting; wild and exposed on an island with a long and varied coastline, high cliffs, sandy and rocky bays, caves and arches.
Isle of Arran, Firth of Clyde
Arran is often described as “Scotland in miniature” because of its diverse landscape which reflects that of Scotland as a whole. Rugged mountains, beaches, cliffs, farmlands, untamed forests, hills and waterfalls are all packaged together in an area approximately 20 miles long by 10 miles wide.
Arran lies on the Highland Boundary Fault, which makes it geologically very interesting, with both Highland and Lowland landscapes. The northern part of the island is very much a mini-Highlands with spectacular granite peaks, corries and wooded glens. In contrast, the south of the island has sweeping moorlands and wide sandy beaches. We will explore both during our hikes.
There are traces of settlements on Arran as far back as 4,000 BC although it is thought there might have been inhabitants going back as far as 7,000 BC. The island is protected on its western side by the Kintyre peninsula, and to the east by the Ayrshire coast. The Gulf Stream keeps the waters of Arran warmer than the norm which is why there are many palm trees and other exotic plants dotted all round the island.
Highlights
- Standing stones and stone circles of Machrie Moor;
- Boat trip to and hiking on Holy Isle;
- Basalt columns of Drumnadoon Point;
- Hike up Goatfell and view from the top.
Itinerary
Day 1: Glasgow - Ardrossan - ferry to Arran
Day 2: Machrie Moor, King’s Cave and Drumadoon Point
Day 3: Holy Isle, Glenashdale Falls and the Giants' Graves
Day 4: Goatfell
Day 5: Arran - Glasgow
