Scotland is undoubtedly one of the best countries to visit for tourism since thousands of visiting spots exist. Every city, town, or small village has multiple sites to see and activities to experience. Some common entities to see throughout Scotland are Scottish castles, many islands, etc. The Isle of Arran is no exception in this case, and we will discuss the best ways to explore this land surrounded by water.
Weather of the Scottish Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran usually has both primary weather, summer and winter. The summers are cool and windy. On the other hand, the winters are long, very cold, wet, and extremely windy. The site is mostly cloudy year-round. If we talk about the average temperature, it typically varies from 34°F to 60°F and is rarely below 25°F or above 67°F, according to the Weather Speak.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Arran Island
Undoubtedly, the island is filled with modernization, and most of its sites offer every type of facility. Still, some precautionary measures and following the rules might be handy to keep the bothering situations away.
- Make your trip memorable by following the rules, from travelling on the road to walking on the route.
- Wearing Scottish attire, including a kilt outfit, while exploring any Scottish part may make you more respectful in the eyes of locals.
- Please do not underestimate the weather in Arran, and prepare for weather changes, whether in summer or winter.
- Manage everything prior, especially being conscious of time management may be a helpful trick. Stick to your plan and travel accordingly. Its beauty may divert your attention and make you stay longer after every moment.
- The roads are in poor condition there in Arron, so it is recommended that you hire a rental car. Moreover, the bus service is not common there, so plan your trip prior,
Places to Explore in Isle of Arran
Hopefully, the previous passage has been fruitful from a knowledge perspective. Let’s move to the primary topic of the best ways to explore the Isle of Arran. However, there is a disclaimer before we move ahead. It is to learn about the best time to visit Scotland, no matter which part you see to get maximum from your trip. Now, proceed ahead and explore the beauty of the Isle with us.
Brodick Castle
As a tourist, the most important place to visit is Broderick Castle isle of Arran, a historical yet still existing monumental site. The castle was built in the initial days of the 16th century, which was a seat to the Duke of Hamilton for centuries. In this castle, hundreds of ancient and contemporary things grab the attention of tourists, including many artefacts, victorian colours, sporting trophies, and the remains of the Hamilton family. Visiting the castle is an amazing custom that allows you to experience Scottish tradition.
Goat Fell
While visiting the Arran island in Scotland, the tourist cannot miss Goat Fell, the highest destination point. It is a favourite place for visitors who love hill climbing and hiking. Its height is almost 784 meters, offering one of the best panoramic views from the top. The area is home to various plants and animals, such as dwarf juniper, sweet-scented heather, tiger beetles, and emperor moths.
Isle of Arran Heritage Museum
Experience the real tradition of the Scottish Arran by visiting its heritage museum, which was founded in 1976. It is situated just North of Brodick, and has many things that cannot be missed. A few but most popular things are an Early Bronze Age grave, a large number of pottery, The Rosetta Stone, etc.
King’s Caves
When experiencing the most traditional part of Arran, keeping King’s cave aside might be very unfair. These underground chambers are known to be there from the Iron Age, while their exact age is obscure. They are considered to be almost 6,000 to 10,000 years old.
This cave is ancient and the largest one on the site. Walls in the cave are covered in carvings following different periods. Many other things, including images of deer, horses, serpents, and crosses, are seen there.
Glenashdale Falls
Let’s discuss a hidden gem in Arran, Glenashdale Falls, offering the most beautiful scenic views. The site is located on Whiting Bay, the Eastern coast of Arran. Water falls from a height of 45 meters, offering a breathtaking view from a distance. The location exists at a distance of 3.75 kilometres from the parking area. The distance is to be covered by walking on foot. Getting there may require an hour or a little more, but the scenic views during the walk are extraordinary.
Lochranza Distillery
Scotland has many distilleries, while the Lochranza Distillery is the most ancient, founded 150 years ago as the legal one. As a visitor, one may often hear about Arran Water, which is a Malt Whisky. It continuously has been made since the 19th century and is very popular in Scotland.
The distillery remains open around the year for visitors and for whisky tasting. Besides the distillery, Lochranza is home to a variety of wildlife. Most importantly, the ruins of Lochranza Castle offer a unique flair of tradition while touring.
Arran Coastal Way
Another site to explore Arran’s island is Arran Coastal Way, which is 65 miles long and worth visiting. The fabulous scenery while travelling offers a unique chance to experience the real beauty of Scotland. While travelling this way, the likelihood of encountering wildlife stays at its peak. Nonetheless, the route is also quite stiff. Though most of the route has been updated recently, physical and mental fitness is still essential.
Blackwaterfoot Beach
According to Scots, the tour without spending moments at Blackwaterfoot beach is considered as incomplete. They are right. Ask us why, because this is one of the largest beaches with no crowd and population in the surrounding area. This beach is considered almost untouched. However, lack of some basic facilities play a role in making it more pristine. But if someone visits it, he forgets everything he saw while approaching it.
Conclusion
Scotland has 900 islands in total, most of which are tourist destinations. The Isle of Arran is one of them, with hundreds of sites people are forced to visit. Whenever you plan to explore the island, visit these places. A few of these sites are giant Brodick Castle, waterfalls, king caves, and the coastal way. So, ensure that you plan everything accordingly. Some things must be considered while travelling there, like guaranteeing proper vehicle parking, keeping accessories with you according to the weather, wearing Scottish traditional dress to admire their culture, and most importantly, following Scottish rules.
