Best of Isle of Arran Guided Island Hopping Holiday

Settle into the holiday at the hotel’s spa before meeting your HF Holidays Leader in the evening. You’ll have the chance to meet the rest of your group as you find out what’s in store over the next eight days, then enjoy your evening meal. 

Distance: 9 miles (15km) 

Ascent: 1,000ft (300m) 

An introduction to Arran’s coast and country begins with a walk along the water’s edge from Lamlash on the east coast to Brodick, the main village on the island. Along the way, you’ll pass over the Clauchland Hills and Glen Coy for panoramic views across the open bays.  

After the walk, you have free time to explore Brodick. Be sure to check out Brodick Castle for its manicured gardens or take in some history at the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum.

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 400ft (120m) 

Travel into the heart of the island where Arran’s mountains and craggy peaks provide an idyllic setting for this guided walk. The contrasts of the island’s landscapes come into focus with domineering sandstone mountains encircled by lush woodlands and fields at the edge. We may even spot herds of red deer too.  

We end the walk at Brodick Castle – if you didn’t get the chance to visit on day two, you’ll have the opportunity to look inside or enjoy the gardens.  

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km) 

Ascent: 300ft (90m) 

Today we head north for Arran’s characteristically wild land and coast, where the paths will be particularly rugged underfoot. Once upon a time this stretch once resembled a cockerel, giving it the name Cock of Arran. Yet the island’s geological features are still a sight to behold with giant millipede tracks, Ossian’s Cave, and Fairy Dell just a few of the places we’ll walk by.  

Wild deer often come to graze on the grasslands, and if you keep an eye on the coast you may even spot dolphins and seals as the come up to the shore. We’ll end the walk with a dram at the Lochranza distillery, Arran’s first whisky distillery. 

Please note: The terrain on this walk is particularly rocky underfoot, care and surefootedness are required.

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)
 
Ascent: 1150ft (350m) 

Hop on a boat to visit Holy Isle, just off the coast of Arran, boasting an ancient spiritual heritage dating back to the 6th century. We visit the Tibetan Buddhist retreat for an introduction to the island’s past and present then take on the summit of Mullach Mor, the highest point. The views over towards Arran are second to none, and a well-earned reward after the steep climb.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 400ft (120m)

We focus our efforts today on walking Arran’s west coast while taking in its history and legends. You’ll have time to soak up the 4,000-year-old giant standing stones and Bronze Age burial cairn at Machrie Moor, then continue on to King’s Cave, the largest of Arran’s sea caves. Legend has it that Robert the Bruce once sheltered here.

Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km) 

Ascent: 2,900ft (900m) 

Arran’s highest peak, Goatfell, provides a fitting finale for your week of island exploration. Our most challenging walk climbs to the summit for unbeatable 360-degree views where you can take it all in, and even glimpse neighbouring Inner Hebridean islands too. 

If you’d prefer something less strenuous, then you’re free to enjoy the spa facilities at the hotel or hop on the public bus and do a circuit of the island. Stop off at Blackwaterfoot or in the south of the island – there are plenty of possibilities.

Time to say goodbye, we hope to see you again!