Journeys 2025

FULL - Isle of Arran, Scotland - FULL

Date

Sunday 24th August - Sunday 31st August

Nights

7

Cost

£1430 for a single room
£1200 for a shared room

Description

Arran is often said to be Scotland in miniature because its diverse and beautiful scenery includes the whole range of Highland and Lowland landscapes: mountains, glens, lochs, rivers, waterfalls, woodland, rolling open grazing land, wide white beaches and sea - plenty!

A number of people have expressed an interest in visiting the Isle of Arran and we have been fortunate enough to secure a booking in a Victorian (but beautifully renovated) hunting lodge in Machrie, a spread-out hamlet on the west coast of Arran.

The Isle of Arran is one of the most accessible of the Scottish islands, separated from the Hebrides by the Kintyre Peninsula and easily accessible by public transport via Edinburgh or Glasgow to ferry ports of Ardrossan and Troon. It is one of three islands (Bute, Cumbrae and Arran) at the mouth of the Clyde Estuary, where it opens into the Irish Sea and the Atlantic. It has a fascinating geological and human history, being on the Highland Boundary Fault, site of continent clashes eons ago, and has been occupied by folk who have left their traces since Neolithic times - to Iron age, Irish, Vikings and Norwegians, until it finally became Scottish in the 13th century. Christianity was introduced to Arran by St Molaise, and St Columba is said to have visited as well. We will follow in their footsteps during our stay on the island.

Walks and Excursions

These are listed below not in a specific order, as Arran weather can be very changeable so our choice will depend on daily conditions and the level of fitness of our guests.

You are advised to bring strong footwear, walking poles if you find these helpful, and good rain gear - anorak and waterproof trousers. It is wise to have layers to accommodate weather changes. (All distances incorporate out and return). A lot of the terrain can be rough and rocky, as you will see from the pictures, and there are some steep climbs, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Do feel free to discuss possibilities with Paddy before you book. You are always able to opt out of a walk and take a day of peace and quiet with beach walks close to the house.

Machrie Moor Stone Circles
An extraordinary collection of standing stones and stone circles are to be found within walking distance from the lodge. The track takes us along the coast from the lodge then along the Machrie Water through woodlands and fields and open moorland to the most dramatic stone circle.
Approx 5 miles there and back. Minimal climb. Rough but clear paths - potentially wet.

Blackwaterfoot to King's Cave
King's Cave is one of several caves where Robert the Bruce was said to have had his encounter with the spider during his fight for independence against the English in the 14th century. It is one of a series of caves in a sandstone cliff above a raised beach north of Blackwaterfoot. People were definitely there at some stage and there are some intriguing carvings to be seen. We shall walk along the coast and through woodlands from Blackwaterfoot.
About 8 miles altogether. Minimal climbing, paths rough in patches

Glen Rosa
A glorious walk along clear but rough and stony track through Glen Rosa to a delightful picnic spot at a bridge over Glenrosa with tantalising views of rugged peaks including Goatfell ahead. On this day we will turn our backs and walk down past Castle Brodick and back to Brodick itself along the sandy beach.
We will use a bus from Brodick to our start.
About 7 miles. Undulating climb of 260 feet.

Goatfell
Wherever you go in Arran the toothed summit of Goatfells seems to pop up, saying, 'Come here!' We shall tackle it from Brodick. The path is clear, but rough and steep as it approaches the summit, with some light scrambling at the end. The views are superb.
7 miles with a climb of 2867 feet (sorry just a couple of hundred feet less than a Munro!)

Lochranza and Fairy Dell
A walk round the headland north of Loch Ranza - past a picturesque castle by the water, uphill through woodland and opening out on to increasingly glorious views. We can do a short circuit or opt for a rocky scramble and a steep climb and even better views.
4 miles or 8 miles, climb 200 or 850 feet.

Holy Island
Holy Isle is a small island just off Lamlash (we will book a boat to take us there) It has an ancient spiritual heritage dating back to St Molaise in the 6th century and is still used as a place of retreat. A Buddhist monastery welcomes visitors. There are paths around the island and a café. We will have four hours to explore and the possibility is that we make a good portion of this a silent time for each of us to wander as we wish and be open to the inspiration of the place.

Accommodation

The House of Machrie
A substantial Victorian country house with fabulous coastal views across to the Mull of Kintyre. It has been beautifully refurbished and offers 3 double rooms with en suite bathrooms, 2 twin-bedded rooms with en suite shower rooms and 2 twin-bedded rooms that share a bathroom. There is a boot room, conservatory, kitchen. Lovely dining room and drawing room and a stone barn that provides space for games (or art) if the weather is exceptionally bad!

Getting there

Public transport via Glasgow or Edinburgh to Ardrossan or Troon, both of which offer Calmac ferries to Arran. We will meet you at Brodick. If you would like to bring your own cars there are car parks at Ardrossan or Troon or you can bring them on the ferry (you will need to book in advance).

Contact

Paddy Allen +44 (0)7810746121, paddyallen27@gmail.com
Rosemary Clarke +44 (0)162 48433262, rosemary.clarke@googlemail.com