Why I Love Scotland’s Isle of Arran (And Why You Might Too)

If there’s one place in Scotland that continues to remain in my heart long after I’ve left, it’s the Isle of Arran. Often described as ‘Scotland in miniature’, this remarkable island truly lives up to that name – and then some. The Arran Coastal Way forms a circular route around the island for 105km and offers a lovely variety of walking along the way.

As someone who spends a lot of time helping people discover great walking destinations, I’m lucky to hike in some incredible places. But Arran stands out. It’s not just the landscape – it’s the feeling you get when you’re there. Here’s why I loved the Isle of Arran, and why I think it’s such a special place for a self-guided walking holiday.

A hiker’s dream: Variety of walking and terrain

What struck me immediately about Arran is just how much variety there is packed into one island. One moment you’re walking along a quiet coastal path with seals bobbing in the water beside you; the next, you’re winding through ancient forests, or climbing into open, rugged highlands. The diversity of trails is unmatched for an island of its size – gentle lowland rambles, wild moor crossings, beach walks, forest trails, and a bigger mountain day (Goat Fell) are all here in our itinerary. The scenery changes from day to day, but also within the day which I loved.

Goat Fell: A mountain worth the climb

Reaching the summit of Goat Fell, the island’s highest peak, was one of the highlights of my visit. At 874m, it’s not the tallest mountain in Scotland, but it offers an incredible sense of achievement – and breathtaking views to match. On a clear day, you can see across to the mainland and even as far as Northern Ireland. The climb is exhilarating, the path well-defined, and the payoff is huge. It’s the kind of walk that leaves you grinning for the rest of the day. We do recommend checking weather conditions before taking on this walk and if the conditions aren’t right, you can opt for the coastal route which is also diverse, interesting and pretty.

Local produce that fuels the soul

After a day’s hike, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a meal made from locally sourced ingredients. Arran has a fantastic food scene – from its creamy cheeses and farm-fresh produce to its freshly caught seafood and delightful bakeries. They do take food seriously over here on Arran. I had really memorable meals from some of the quirky local pubs along the way. In Corrie I enjoyed the beer garden in the sunshine overlooking the water. In Lochranza I had a delicious seafood meal at the local quirky pub, which reminded me a little of faulty towers. I enjoyed quality produce from the general store in Whiting Bay which made for a delicious lunch on the trail. The pub food I enjoyed in Brodick was memorable and delicious. One of my favourite snacks were the local oatcakes from Woolies. I am not a whiskey drinker but this island is famous for its local Arran Whiskey Distillery – rich smooth whiskey which is well earned after a day of walking.

Scenery that captures the heart

The beauty of Arran isn’t just something you see – it’s something you feel. One moment you’re gazing out over a shimmering bay with seals sunning themselves on the rocks; the next, you’re looking up at towering granite peaks or down into lush, green glens. The island’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, and every walk offers something different – windswept ridges, hidden waterfalls, ancient standing stones, and quiet woodland trails. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you stop, allows you to feel completely present, take a breath, and feel grateful just to be there.

A true sense of escape

One of the things I loved most about Arran is the sense of remoteness it offers. It feels far removed from the hustle and noise of everyday life, yet it’s surprisingly easy to reach. The ferry ride from Ardrossan Harbour on the mainland to Brodick on the island takes just under an hour and is long enough to give you that sense of crossing into somewhere different, somewhere special. Even at the height of summer, it’s easy to find solitude and quiet trails – space to think, to walk, and to reconnect with nature and the glorious surroundings here.

The warmest of welcomes

Arran’s locals are just as memorable as its landscapes. Friendly, welcoming, and proud of their island, they’re always happy to share a tip, a story, or just a wave as you pass by. There’s a lovely community spirit here that instantly makes you feel at home. I met many lovely locals on this island, if you ever feel like a chat, just head to the local pub where you will receive a warm welcome and a hearty chat.

Scotland in miniature

What makes the Isle of Arran so unique is that it offers a little bit of everything that makes Scotland great – mountains, moorland, forests, lochs, castles, coastline, and character – all in one compact, walkable package. It’s like having a sampler of all Scotland’s greatest hits, with none of the long drives in between and some truly serene and delightful walking.

Wildlife and furry friends along the way

One of the things I loved about Arran was the chance to encounter an incredible variety of wildlife, both on land and at sea. It’s not uncommon to see common and grey seals lounging on a rock in the sunshine or bobbing in the shallow water. You might also be lucky enough to see bottlenose dolphins, especially in spots like Whiting Bay, Sannox Bay and near Blackwaterfoot. The inland mountainous areas are home to the beautiful golden eagles and can be spotted when walking up Goat Fell. There are a great variety of birds along the shoreline such as oystercatchers, curlews, guillemots, razorbills and shags. One of my favourite sights were the red deer coming into Lochranza with the stunning backdrop of Lochranza Castle and its surrounding sheep.You might even be lucky enough to spot a red squirrel in one of the forested sections of the walk.

Final thoughts about Arran

If you’re looking for a self-guided walking holiday that offers rich variety, warm hospitality, and stunning scenery around every corner, I can’t recommend the Isle of Arran and the self-guided Arran Coastal Way enough. Arran rewards you with every step – and leaves a lasting impression long after your boots have come off. It’s rugged, it’s remote and it offers a delightful walking loop around the island. There is something deeply satisfying about starting and finishing in Brodick, having circled the island entirely on foot.