Back in June, I travelled for one week with a lovely group of 13 from London Kings Cross to Brodrick, Isle of Arran. It was a fun-filled week with beautiful walks, delicious food, and an adventure to Dunavaar Island! Here is a one-week itinerary exploring the Isle of Arran & Mull of Kintyre, Scotland you might like to do too.
Isle of Arran & Mull of Kintyre Trip
The Isle of Arran is locally known as Scotland in miniature, as it has everything, from beautiful scenery, wildlife, castles, distilleries, and more. Located off the west coast, it is 432 km2 and easy to get around via car or on the local bus (Stagecoach all-day ticket £7.20 adult), you can also hire a bicycle (Arran Bike Hire).
Our first day was almost planes, trains, and automobiles (wink). Firstly the train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley (4.5 hours), we then continued onto Glasgow Central Train Station (1 hour 20 minutes) before another train to Ardrossan Harbour (1 hour) and boarded the Calmac Ferry to Brodick, Isle of Arran (1 hour).
After a luxurious night stay at The Douglas Hotel 4*, it was time to explore the Isle of Arran. We headed north towards Lochranza, stopping at beautiful, interesting, and historic sights on route including the village of Corrie. For the size of the island, there are ample things to see and do! Lochranza is well worth a visit with its historic castle and Arran Distillery. After lunch, it was time to visit Brodick Castle, Garden, and Country Park (1510 - ). Once home to the Dukes of Hamilton, today it is owned by the National Trust. It is well worth a visit! See the collection of period furniture, silverware including a Dodo, porcelain, and paintings within the castle, that is set, within almost 3,000 hectares of gardens and country park. Take a stroll around the restored Victorian Garden, sculpture trail and enjoy the national rhododendron collections, that flower almost every month. Don't miss a visit inside the 179-year-old Bavarian summerhouse.
Day 3
Today it was time to explore the south of Arran via Whiting Bay, Blackwaterfoot, Machrie Bay, and Kings Cave with lunch at The Old Byre Visitor Centre & Cafe Thyme.
It is a lovely circular walk to Kings Cave from the car park, with beautiful views. It can get a little tricky when going down to the stone beach, as no stairs but a well-trotten dug-out area, which can be very muddy when wet. You can avoid this part by going in the opposite direction and returning the same way to the car park (this path is on the left as you enter the car park). Watch out for the spider (wink).
Day 4
After a lovely two-night stay half-board at The Douglas Hotel, it was time to check out and make our way back to Lochranza for the Calmac Ferry to Claonaig. On route we stopped at Home Farm for some last-minute shopping. You can't come all the way to Arran and not buy some of the delicious Arran Cheese, Arran Oaties (Wooleys of Arran), and soap (Arran Sense of Scotland). Then it was a pit stop at Isle of Arran Brewery for some local craft beers.
Soon we had checked in and boarded the small Calmac Ferry ready for the 30-minute sailing. Back on the mainland and a 10-minute drive later, it was time for lunch at Skipness Castle and Seafood Cabin.
Filled after the delicious scallops and other seafood dishes, everyone was ready to take in the picturesque east coast of Kintyre and enjoy a stop at Saddell Bay, where Paul McCartney recorded the video for 'Mull of Kintyre'. We also got to see the life-size abstract human sculpture, that looks out over the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran and Ailsa Craig by Sir Antony Gormley. One of five sculptures created as part of the Landmark Trust's 50th anniversary.
Day 5
After breakfast, it was time to explore Mull of Kintyre. We headed south from Campbeltown to Southend to see St Columba's Cave and footprints. Then off to the Muneroy Tearoom. I had heard so much about the incredible sweet delights, I couldn't wait to see and try one myself. Wow, they all looked amazing. It was a difficult choice but opted for the Biscoff cake. I was not disappointed! Yum.
Then it was off to the Machrihanish Dunes, to walk off some of those extra calories (wink).
Before taking a tour of one of the oldest whisky distilleries - Spring Bank Distillery. Located in the heart of Campbeltown, it is sadly one of three, that still exists out of over 30 (when Campbeltown was known as the whisky capital of the world).
Day 6
We all enjoyed some free time for some shopping, visiting the Linda McCartney Memorial Garden and Heritage Centre before our adventure to the shingle tidal - Davaar Island.
Known for its life-size cave painting of the crucifixion painted by local teacher Mr Archibald MacKinnon in 1887 (the rocks to the seventh cave can be very slippery, please do take care when visiting).
Day 7
It was an early departure, as we made our way back to Glasgow Central Train Station for our last train returning to London Kings Cross. On the way, we stopped to stretch our legs at the historical town of Inveraray. There was time for one last Scottish treat before boarding the train. Do you know what it might have been? Yes, a deep-fried Mars Bar!
It was an incredible week, filled with fun and laughter. What an adventure, with a fantastic group!
I hope you have enjoyed reading and are feeling inspired to visit some of the more rural areas of Scotland.
Until next time..happy travels,
Michelle x
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