How to reach the astonishing Isle of Arran

Useful Travel guide to Isle of Arran before you forget

Isle of Arran

Before starting the journey to a new place or country, it is common knowledge to be prepared. In my case, it meant to gain more insight about the Isle of Arran for my most spontaneous weekend trip. I will just state two tips that could help you make travel decisions before booking a trip to the Isle of Arran.

It is important to check how far away you are from your destination. It is better to double check rather than find out along the way that the journey you were planning takes longer than expected and as a result, the ferry already left without you. The distance from Edinburgh to the Isle of Arran is an approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive to Ardrossan harbour by car without a lot of traffic. This is mostly the case if you decide to travel at the weekend for a stay of one or two days. It is even quicker if you decide to travel from Glasgow because it will only take you approximately an hour. If you decide to take the train instead of the car, it is roughly two-and-a-half hours from Edinburgh. This does not include the extra hour boat ride on the ferry. 

If you got time, it is advisable to plan some sightseeing along the way and take the second last ferry in the evening (just in case you miss it). It gives you the possibility to explore the sights at the Kelburn Castle Estate near Fairlie. Another option is to drive more south to Irvine to see the Stone Dragon at Irvine Beach Park. It is a nice way to blow off some steam at the beach. There are also two nearby waterfalls. One is the Lynn Falls near Dalry and the other is the Biglees Waterfall situated in the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. The park offers not only hiking routes with waterfalls but also many diverse walking routes, cycling possibilities, sailing and other outdoor activities depending on the season. More information about the park can be found here: Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. 

Stone Dragon Irvine Beach Park

Kelburn Castle

Do you know other great sightseeing stops or activities when traveling to the Isle of Arran?