The route from Campbeltown in Southern Kintyre takes you on a road less travelled up the east coast to Claonaig. A very twisty road that after Carradale becomes single track, so take your time and enjoy the magnificent views from the rugged coastline. The ferry from Claonaig to Lochranza in Arran, is only available in the summer, so you should definitely take advantage of it when available.
When in Campbeltown take some time to visit Springbank Distillery, the only distillery still working in the area. Campbeltown Heritage Centre offers an insight into life on the Kintyre Peninsula, of its history and development. It's striking building can't be missed with a stripey bell-cote and pinnacles. Locals often refer to it as The Tartan Kirk! The town is also home to the Championship Golf Course, Machrihanish, so if it’s a game of golf you are after, now's your chance.
Campbeltown is a perfect base for exploring the southern tip of the Kintyre Peninsula, more commonly known as The Mull of Kintyre. The history in the area is astounding. Visit St Columba's Chapel in Southend. It was here that it is believed St Columba arrived in 563AD on his way to Iona. The Chapel although bearing his name was not built until the 14th Century in his honour. Lying behind the chapel however, are more hidden treasures. Here you will find St Columba's Caves, 3 caves where it is thought that Columba lived and prayed and also the famous Columba's footprints. Two footprints carved in the rock, one dating from the 19th Century but the other an ancient mystery!
Dunaverty Castle ruin is also in the area, at one point being captured by King Haakon of Norway and later sheltering Robert the Bruce in 1306; this castle has a colourful history and is worth a visit.
Heading northwards from Campbeltown you will come across Saddell Abbey. This Cistercian Abbey, was founded in 1164 by Somerled. Somerled was the first 'Lord of the Isles', being given this title after successfully driving the Norse from Kintyre. Although a lot of the Abbey is gone, the sheer size of the site tells us that the monastery was of great importance in its time.
Next stop off point is the little fishing village, Carradale. With lobster pots, nets, ropes and an assortment of fishing equipment always lying around, it is apparent that Carradale is very much a working harbour and freshly caught seafood is always on the menu here. With a wide sandy beach stretching from Carradale bay towards Carradale point, the views across the water to Arran are spectacular. A visit to The Network Heritage Centre, which is housed in an old school house, full of fishing, farming and forestry displays, is an interesting way to spend a few hours.
The road after Carradale does become single track, so keep your speed in mind at all times on your way to Claonaig. This is a tiny village, home to the ferry, which departs for Arran in the summer months. There are picturesque forest walks in the area, perfect for an afternoon stroll, before crossing the Kilbrannan Sound, on the way to Arran. The ferry to Lochranza usually runs from March until October. For more information on dates and times, please visit www.calmac.co.uk.
Lochranza is perhaps one of the most pretty of Arran's villages, and there is nothing quite like
viewing the scenery from the water. The timeless village is surrounded by 3 hills and the Loch, and faces Lochranza Castle. Built in 1261 for the MacSweens's, this historic site is supposedly the basis for the castle in the tintin adventure, 'The Black Island'. The village has plenty of places to stay and with the awe inspiring views you will have plenty to see. From Lochranza you can take the A841 east for a short route to Brodick, where the ferry for the mainland departs. Or take the A841 west for a more leisurely tour of the island.
Arran is a beautiful island, often described as 'Scotland in Miniature'. At 20 miles long and 56 miles around, the island lies right on top of the Highland Boundary Fault. This geological division makes the north end of the island much more rugged and mountainous like the Highlands of Scotland, in comparison to the southern end which is far lower lying, like the Lowlands of Scotland.
Around 5000 people live on Arran and 1000 of these live in the main town, Brodick.
Brodick comes from the Norse word, meaning 'Broad Bay', and there certainly are some amazing views from the bay in Brodick, across the Firth of Clyde. As well as the scenery, there is plenty of accommodation, restaurants and shops here. North East of the town lies Arran's highest mountain, Goatfell, standing at 874 metres. Walking trails leading up this mountain can be reached easily from Brodick Castle grounds.
There has been some sort of stronghold on the Brodick castle site since the 6th Century, when an Irish tribe came to Arran and founded the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. In 1503, the castle which had by then been destroyed and rebuilt many times, came under the power of Lord Hamilton, who had been granted Earldom of Arran by his cousin, James VI. That castle was also demolished, but parts of the structure which lies here today dates back as far as 1588. The castle is well worth a tour, full of interesting furniture, paintings, ornaments and history. The surrounding grounds feature pretty gardens, great for a gentle stroll if heading up Goatfell isn't really for you.
Heading south from here, you quickly arrive at Lamlash, the capital of sailing and yachting on the island. On a warm summer's day the water is alive with people enjoying the weather and taking part in many water sports and activities. You can take boat trips from Lamlash to Holy Island, which is just off the shore of Arran. This island is 3 km long and reaches 314 metres at its highest peak. Day trips here are brilliant whether you just want to take a walk around the base of the island or go for a hike.
You can also catch boats to Holy Island from Whiting Bay, which is just another 10 minutes drive south of Lamlash. Whiting Bay is a great base for exploring the southern half of the island on foot. There is also a golf course here for those who fancy a quick game.
Next stop off point is Kildonan. Often overlooked on the island, Kildonan's views are spectacular, looking out over Pladda Island to the south. Kildonan is also home to one of Arran's few sandy beaches, which makes the short detour off the main road to reach this pretty village even more worthwhile. The 13th Century Kildonan Castle, now an ivy clad ruin, is also well worth a little exploration. Although originally built by the MacDonalds, Lord of the Isles, the castle was passed on to the Duke of Hamilton, the Earl of Arran in 1544. Kildonan castle is the third castle of the 3 on Arran, which were used as protection from anyone approaching Scotland by the Clyde.
Look out for colonies of grey seals off the coast, as you continue on the route, stop off at Kilmory Neolithic Chambered Cairns. Ancient skeletal remains and a flint knife were found here, and the feeling of times gone by can really be felt.
Heading north again now, on the west side of the island and you come across Blackwaterfoot, characterised by its long pebbled beaches and serene views across the Kilbrannan sound to Kintyre. Slightly north of the village and you find King's cave where Robert the Bruce famously met the spider whose encouragement convinced the Bruce to try again for the Crown. Also in this area are Machrie Moor standing stones, a 4000 year old stone circle from the Bronze Age.
The coast hugging drive to Lochranza is pleasant, passing through several more tiny settlements such as Balliekine and Lenimore. The 40 minute drive back to Brodick from Lochranza takes you slightly more inland giving you the chance to view some of the mountains up close. The Arran Heritage Museum, housed in a converted farmhouse also provides an interesting afternoon.
Back in Brodick, ferries for Ardrossan, on mainland Scotland, depart 5-6 times a day during the summer months. The short journey takes only 55 minutes each way, and the clean fresh air and truly breathtaking scenery that Arran has to offer, are worthy of every second.
