Adventuring on the Isle of Arran
4 day bank holiday weekends coupled with sunshine are a thing to behold in the UK. Whilst the beers gardens nationwide were packed, I opted for seclusion and adventuring on the Isle of Arran.
Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons, bringing the best of the summer months, but without the continued heat intensity. Spring provides the vibrant, blossoming colours of nature and wildlife, signalling the end of winter (or the end of the long night for all you GOT fantastics!). Unfortunately for most youngsters, the first signs of summer mean something completely different – the dreaded exam season.
Luckily completing my dissertation earlier this year meant I only have two exams to sit this spring – which is somewhat chilled compared to some! In my usual fashion, I try to find a way to combine my thirst for adventure, with career goals. So instead of joining the crowds in the beer garden, I headed away to the secluded Isle of Arran in search of adventure and productivity. Also to continue my ever-growing love affair with Scotland!
Arran is one of the smaller Scottish isles, but also most southerly. Situated in the Firth of Clyde of the west coast of Scotland, it is accessed only by ferry – check out Caledonian MacBrayne ferries. The ring road which circumferences Arran is approximately 60 miles, but don’t be fooled into thinking there isn’t much to do here. Oh no, Arran is an adventure seekers paradise!
As you approach the island by ferry, cup of coffee in hand, the dramatic mountain landscape to the north becomes ever more imposing. The skyline, dominated by the mighty Goatfell (874m) is the pinnacle of this fabulous mountain range. Traversing the many ridgelines eventually takes eyes south, where a slightly softer and inviting landscape can be viewed. From the water, it is so obvious why this majestic little island has earned itself a reputation as Scotland in miniature.
From alpine-esque mountains and ridge lines, to Adriatic-esque coastlines, the Isle of Arran offers an adventure for all. I had packed my van full of toys to pursue adventure, but also my studies – figuring I could combine adventure with productivity every day. I mean what could be more fulfilling; a long morning pursing the things you love, followed by getting your necessary work done from the back of your campervan, whilst taking in the views and fresh salty sea air?!
I had several things on my agenda for adventuring on the Isle of Arran; cycling, running, scrambling, sunsets and wild camps. Luckily, on such a small island you don’t have to travel far to find those things.
Arriving in Brodick on the first ferry of the day, early Thursday morning, I immediately switched from my approach gear & into my cycling kit. My first bit of exploration took me on my road bike on a grand tour of the island – following the 70-mile Arran Alpine stage. This figure of 8 loop allowed me take in the beautiful island, gaze longingly at the mountains & ponder over routes I had dreamed up my head.
This is a spectacular route, but don’t underestimate the climbs! Coupled with an onshore wind, the gradient can feel somewhat doubled & that granny ring is made to feel a little harder to push!
With the weather proving to be uncharacteristically Scottish… by that I mean sunny, no wind, no snow, no rain (climate change is real people!), it seems foolish not to spend an evening out under the stars. A pathway up to a small mountain tarn revealed itself to me whilst exploring the north west of the island. So that evening, after ticking off some revision, I treated myself to a bottle of beer and a night pitched up on the beach of a tarn – what could be more blissful!
Adventuring on the isle of arran was by no means limited to cycling – mountain running has become a favourite hobby of mine recently. Arran presents the opportunity to run from sea level to summit, something not too many mountain ranges can boast about. The Goatfell range is home to fabulous ridge lines and scramble routes. From the summit of Goatfell the route options are infinite.
My route opted to take in a loop of the Glen Rosa horseshoe – purely for ease of getting an ice cream afterwards!
Given more time on the island (& access to more water onboard) – a longer loop of the Glen Sannox horseshoe would have been incredible!
No adventure is of course complete until some mountain bike action has been had. Scotland is home to some of the finest natural enduro trails – if one knows where to look/who to ask!
Luckily the guys at Arran bike club are super helpful with sharing their favourite routes. I opted for a loop of the Clauchlands hill and view point – which provided some fabulous summit to sea descents, not to mention spectacular views once again!
I would also highly recommend checking out the trail from Sannox along the coast up to Laggan Cottage and eventually to Lochranza (and the Arran Distillery!). The coastal views are simply magical. Miles of sea views, reminding me of the Adriatic coastlines of Croatia last summer.
For a small Scottish island which most will likely look straight past, it really is an absolutely paradise for those looking to pursue mountain and coastal adventures. It is also incredibly quiet and tranquil, I found the island to operate at a chilled out pace – nothing seemed too hectic or busy. The roads are well maintained (significantly improved from what locals told me!), the volume of traffic isn’t excessive and local convenience stores are well stocked and frequently open.
So there you have it, a productive long weekend of studying whilst also getting the best of adventuring on the Isle of Arran! Please do get in touch with any questions about routes or campspots – or even ice cream parlour recommendations, I’m quite the connoisseur when it comes to chocolate ice-cream!
Happy adventuring folks.
Callum
