Why visit the Isle Of Arran?
Island life
Ahh, camping on the Isle of Arran. Scotland’s seventh-biggest island – and the largest in the Firth of Clyde – is a standout destination with an ever-changing coastline, soaring mountains and lush forests. Whether you’re a golfer, paraglider or mountain biker – or just prefer soaking up the scenery – you’ll find an activity to get excited about at this spot often referred to as 'Scotland in miniature'.
Wildlife watching
At Brodick Castle and Gardens, one of the Isle of Arran’s best attractions, keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels scampering through the formal gardens overlooking Brodick Bay. Attempt to spy porpoises, seals and basking sharks down at the coast next, then turn your head skywards to try and get a glimpse of a golden eagle.
Tasty treats
There’s plenty of farm-fresh food to take back to your campsite on the Isle of Arran. Look out for speciality cheeses, real dairy ice creams and fruity jams. This being Scotland, you can also sip fiery drams of whisky at the Arran Distillery while taking an informative tour of the 19th-century facilities.
Essential things to do on the Isle of Arran
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Trek 2,866 feet above sea level to Arran’s largest peak, Goatfell
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Head on an easy hike through Glen Rosa, one of the island’s prettiest valleys
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Hone your swing at Lochranza Golf Course, often tipped as Scotland’s most spectacular spot for a round
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Go pony trekking around Sannox to admire coastal scenery from the saddle
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Check out the spooky underground prison at Lochranza Castle
The best Isle of Arran attractions
Historical hotspots
Immerse yourself in Scotland’s neolithic past on a wander around the Machrie Moor Stone Circles. The surrounding landscape is sprinkled with standing stones, burial cairns and cists, all dating as far back as 3500 BC.
Caving expeditions
Why not combine a stroll on the Arran Coastal Way with a spot of spelunking at King's Cave, hidden in the sandstone cliffs close to Machrie? Bring your bucket and spade for days out on nearby Blackwaterfoot beach if the weather’s playing ball. It’s where Scottish legend Robert the Bruce apparently had his renowned meeting with a spider…
An island off an island
Take to the sea for a trip to the Buddhist-owned Holy Isle just off Arran while on your camping trip. Home to the Centre for World Peace and Health, the whole area has a calming atmosphere. You can visit from Lamash, a cute village on the mainland with a clutch of cafés and restaurants serving up local delicacies.
Here’s how
Jump on a ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick or Claonaig to Lochranza for camping on the Isle of Arran. You can pitch up overlooking the coast for a few days then head inland to peaceful spots in leafy woodland or private meadows next to placid lochs. Many campsites are on farms and smallholdings – rural Arran is home to families who have looked after the landscape for centuries.
Once you've decided on the sort of setting you'd like, search for more of your preferences by using the filters on this page – we've got everything from wild campsites to luxury holiday parks.
Want to see more of this side of Scotland? Find other top places to pitch up around the country’s west coast, including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
And if you’re really not sure where to go, browse all our Scottish options listed on Pitchup or scour England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
