Things to do on the Isle of Arran, Scotland

Our journey started by hopping on the Calmac ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick which only takes 55 minutes. We booked to take the car over but you also have the option to travel as foot passengers.

We based ourselves at the Kings Caves Glamping pods. These comfortable and spacious self catering pods are in a fantastic central location, and there is a communal hot tub that you can rent on site. We picked up a great deal on these. You also have some friendly geese as neighbours who might come right up to your door to see what you're up to.

Things to Do on Arran

Kings Caves

The coastal path that takes you to the Kings Caves is more than just a walk, it's a historical trip through stunning scenery. As you stroll along you will be blessed with views of the rocky coastline, vast ocean and waves crashing against the cliffs. This spot is famous thanks to Robert the Bruce, the legendary Scottish king who is rumoured to have hidden out here whilst planning his victorious comeback battle against the English. This is where the legendary story of the spider comes from, Bruce is said to have watched the spider spinning his web in the corner of the cave. The spider kept failing but eventually succeeded and this inspired Bruce to keep fighting for Scotland's freedom. This story is now symbolic in Scottish folklore and is a reminder about never giving up even when things get tough. The caves are like a time capsule, with old graffiti and markings on the walls dating back to the 19th century. If you decide to explore further down the path, you'll find more hidden caves tucked away from the main trail. But be careful - it can be slippery and some require a little bit of scrambling to get there. This part reminded me of Jurassic Park, with the thick plants, moss covered rocks and overgrowth covering the ground beneath you.

On our walk we came across a goat that had slipped and fell from the cliffs above and sadly perished on the rocks below.

We used this Alltrails route.

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Eas A'Chrannaig (Glenashdale Falls)

The Eas A'Chrannaig or Glenashdale falls is a must see, the walk to the falls is just as amazing as the falls themselves, taking you through lush forests, tall trees, and colourful plants. The surroundings are very peaceful and the sounds of nature make it a great escape for anyone who loves the outdoors. The waterfall is pretty remarkable as it crashes down the rocky cliffs. The force of the water creates a mist that hangs in the air, and if the sun’s out, you might even be lucky enough to catch a rainbow in the spray, adding a magical touch. As well as the falls, there’s also the chance to check out the nearby Giants' Graves, ancient burial sites with loads of history. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit the Giants' Graves on this trip, but I will be back. And, the walk to the waterfall provided a great experience on its own. Check out more of the best waterfalls to visit in Scotland.

Machrie Moor Standing Stones

About a 45 minute walk from the car down a farm track, we timed this perfectly so we would catch the sunset during our visit. As the sky turned orange the stones stood out impressively against the backdrop. The site is the remains of six standing stone circles dating back around 4500 years, where they are believed the have been a religious site for worship, cremations and burials. One of the circles is known as Fingal's (the giant) cauldron seat and is Scottish myths is said to be where Fingal the giant sat to cook his dinner. There are information boards along the way to tell you the historical significance and be sure to explore past the first circle.

Glen Rosa & The Fairy Pools

We parked at the campsite and walked into Glen Rosa on a beautiful sunny day. The green grass, blue waters and towering mountains up ahead make a really picturesque scene. There are several pools in the glen and you will reach the first one around 1.5 miles into your walk. If you continue on, you will find lots of other swimming opportunities, waterfalls, places to jump in and the famous 'Fairy' pools. We visited in April and although it was nice and sunny outside the pools were freezing, it certainly was enough to wake you up and after being brave enough to jump in I wanted to do it again and again. The area around the pools is full of different plants and animals, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photographers. I'd definitely recommend a walk through Glen Rosa on your trip to Arran, you can make your hike as as challenging as you see fit with the option to continue through the Glen and up to Goatfell.

North Goatfell & Goatfell

If you fancy a bit of a challenge and summiting a mountain is on your horizons then look no further than Goatfell. Climbing up Goatfell, especially from the north side, is a thrilling adventure that gives you amazing views and a real sense of achievement. The northern route takes you along a rocky ridge with a few scrambling bits, adding some excitement to your hike. While this path can be steep and tough, it's doable if you're in decent shape and ready for the trek. If you want an easier climb, you can take the regular route to Goatfell, which skips North Goatfell. This way is well-pathed and a lot gentler. The views from the top of Goatfell are amazing, especially if you manage to catch the sunset, when the sky lights up with vibrant colours - just please make sure you have a head torch for the route back down. As per hiking any mountain in the UK make sure you are appropriately dressed and have the correct navigation and equipment for your day.

Honesty Boxes 

Throughout the year you will find various honesty boxes dotted around all over the island, where the locals sell their home baking, eggs, jams, vegetables and more. The honesty boxes are usually an eye catching handmade wooden set up which is located at the end of a drive way or near farms which encourages locals or tourists to get involved in using them. The idea behind these honesty boxes is simple but meaningful: you pick out your items, and then drop your payment in the box. This setup counts on the community's honesty, promoting responsibility and mutual respect among everyone who uses it. As you explore the island you will come across different honesty boxes offering different services. This cool approach not only boosts local businesses but also strengthens community bonds, making it a beloved part of island life.

This was my first ever visit to Arran and I can't wait to return to explore some more. If anyone has any suggestions please leave a comment below. Feel free to check out my other blogs about exploring in Scotland.