Our wee neighbour Arran is often known as ‘Scotland in miniature,’ but there’s nothing small about the adventures you can have there. Packed with amazing wildlife, fabulous scenery, and incredible food and drink, no visit to Ayrshire is complete without undertaking an adventure on Arran – and the Salt Lodge hotel at Troon Yacht Haven is the perfect base to explore everything it has to offer!

Seek out the summit of Goatfell

The highest point on our wee neighbour, Goatfell stands a mighty 2,866 feet (that’s 874 metres for our European friends) and offers spectacular views of the west coast – if you manage to get to the summit! Keep an eye out on your ascent and you might just spot buzzards and golden eagles soaring (not so) high above you. When it comes to adventures on Arran, they don’t come much bigger than this!

Discover the otherworldly Machrie Moor

These colossal and eerie structures predate Stonehenge and have entranced visitors and baffled archaeologists for centuries. It’s said that a group of fairies once sat atop the mountain, Durra-na-each, and passed the time by flicking pebbles onto the moor below. The pebbles became large stones and formed the six stone circles of Machrie Moor. Whatever their origins, walking amongst the stones as the sun slinks below the horizon is spine-tingling.

Go wild

Arran is home to a number of year-round species, including beautiful red deer, red squirrels, and harbour seals. For an even more epic wildlife-spotting adventure, set sail for the Ayrshire coast between May and September. Then, you might just find yourself sharing its waters with the second biggest fish on the planet – the mighty basking shark. Don’t worry – these gentle giants only feed on plankton – but seeing them glide through the water, mouths agape, is a humbling, epic experience.

Sink your toes into Brodick Bay

Kildonan might take the prize for stunning sands, but Brodick Bay’s surroundings will take your breath away. Overlooked by the soaring summit of Goatfell and the 16^th century turrets of Brodick Castle which peer proudly over the treeline, the bay might be one of the most atmospheric in Scotland. Brodick isn’t a beach; it’s an experience.

Drain a dram at Isle of Arran Distillery

Sample a dram (or three) on a tour of the Isle of Arran Distillery – home of the only single malt whisky produced on Arran. Surrounded by dramatic views, this is the perfect chance to see behind the stills of this world-renowned whisky.

(c) Ayrshire & Arran Tourism

Eat your fill of the island

Visit the Island Cheese Shop or the Arran Creamery Cheese Shop for a taste of tangy island cheese. While you’re on the island look out for chances to try a huge range of local produce from Taste of Arran, including ice cream, oatcakes, haggis, black pudding, chocolates and much more.

But be sure to stop and savour it!

If eating out is more your thing, you’ll be happy to know that Arran has plenty of restaurants and cafés to try during your visit. Some of the places to look out for include the Stag’s Pavilion in Lochranza, The Sandwich Station near Lochranza and the Old Pier Tearoom at Lamlash.

Getting there

The ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick on takes around 55 minutes and runs all year round. Check out the summer ferry timetable (valid late March till late October) and the winter ferry timetable (valid late October till late March) and book your tickets with CalMac.

(c) Ayrshire & Arran Tourism

Other adventures

Looking for more adventures to undertake on your next trip to Ayrshire? Check out our guides to the incredible walking and cycling routes, fantastic food and drink, and legendary golf courses on the doorstep of the Salt Lodge at Troon Yacht Haven!

 

We’re Open & Good to Go!

Drumroll please – the Salt Lodge Hotel at Troon Yacht Haven is now OPEN! We can’t wait to welcome you all to enjoy an incredible, relaxing stay with us but – in the meantime – we thought we’d take you on a wee digital tour of the hotel. Feast your eyes on the picture gallery below!

Good to Go for a getaway?

If our wee tour has gotten you ready to set sail for a fantastic break, you can book here. 

And don’t worry – we’re Good To Go scheme-approved, meaning you can be assured that we’re taking all the necessary steps to make sure we meet all of the current government guidance – and that you enjoy a safe and relaxing stay!

Don’t forget the dug!

Looking for a dog-friendly hotel for you and your four-legged friend? We’re happy to welcome dogs – and well-behaved owners – for an adventure in Ayrshire! Please check out our Pet Policy before booking.

Check out a few of the dog-friendly adventures, activities and spots to eat and drink that await you in Ayrshire here!