Raven's Gully

Active types can don their walking boots and complete a section of the long-distance Arran Coastal Way direct from the site, taking in villages, beaches, forest and waterfalls. Another invigorating ramble leads up Glen Rosa to the Blue Pool (an hour and 40 minutes’ walk). To combine a walk with a history lesson, park at Machrie Moor Parking Area (25 minutes’ drive) and amble up to Machrie Moor Standing Stones (25 minutes’ walk), passing stone circles and abandoned crofts on the way. Stop by the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum (five minutes’ drive) to learn about crofting traditions, and brush up on more local heritage with a tour of the period apartments at Victorian-era Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park (10 minutes). With the backdrop of Goatfell peak (45 minutes), Brodick (five minutes) is Arran’s main settlement; sample local whisky with tastings at Crofters Still, or laze on the sand at Dunham beach. There’s a harbour filled with yachts to have a mooch around, and loc al to the village are facilities for angling, golf, horse riding and climbing.