“BA First Year”
Everybody loves the works of nature, but when these works all found in one place then there is a scramble towards this place. This place is unique and one of the most decorated Nature has to offer. This information sheet will offer all the information about Arran Isle. From its location, information on accommodation, travel, natural resources, activities and food found in restaurants and cafes. This will help in understanding various aspects of the isle when touring and get to visit the best sites and sample the most thrilling adventures in Arran.
Arran Isle
Also referred to as The Scotland miniature, the isle of Arran lies on the South Western Scotland, near Glasgow and Ayrshire coast in the Firth of Clyde. It has about five thousand inhabitants and covers an area of around 165 square miles that is approximately four hundred and thirty squared kilometers (Wilson & Murphy, 2008). No wonder, Arran boasts of being the seventh largest Island in Scotland. This island offers visitors unique easily accessible and compact scenery that replicates the geology of Scotland’s mainland, characterized by a flatter populous South and, a more mountainous and sparsely populated north region (Dillon, 2006). This is a perfect tourist destination given its popularity and easier accessibility.
Accommodation
Everybody needs a quiet and beautiful serene to relax and have the most beautiful dreams while in the Isle of Arran. This is exactly what one will find here, a perfect array of accommodation options for a visitor. Yes, many classics to choose from, there are several hotels, hostels and bunkhouses such as the Lonchranza Youth Hostel and hotel , Auchrannie resort, Lamlash bay hotel, Oakbank farm, Ashbank Hotel, Glenarroch and bed and breakfast Hotels. These facilities offer the best services at all time and ensure their clients are satisfied and comfortable twenty-four a day, seven days a week non-stop.
Hotels
For a tourist who loves staying in hotels then, then the following are the most probable specifications found across the main hotels found in Arran isle. The hotels and resort are fitted with luxury and elegant spas and rooms. The hotels house modern restaurant with state of the art gym and salon. Moreover, the rooms have Flat screen TVs, modern bathrooms, free wireless internet and steam rooms. Finally yet importantly, they have leisure clubs fitted with sauna, swimming pools and spa bath that offer relaxation to the tourists. Pets are prohibited in these hotels and sometimes some charges may be applicable if someone contravenes. The average rates for these hotels and resort range from ninety dollars ($90).
Bed and Break Fast
At Arran Isle the tourists are spoilt for choice, every single accommodation maintains the highest international standards of management in order to maintain perfectionism. The bed and breakfast hotels are available and offer a number of services. They have en suite rooms, Television sets, Fridges and Microwaves. They too have free wireless internet in every room and subsequently breakfast is inclusive. The rates range from $80 for a double bed room and $100 for a single bedroom.
Guest House
The Guesthouses host a number of facilities that fascinates tourist all over the world. They are fitted with large communal kitchen and lounge while all the rooms single bedrooms with shared bathroom facilities. Special services such as laundry are provided in these facilities, a small fee charged for breakfast, and wireless internet installed it specific public locations. It offers a perfect environment and affordable to all the tourists. The rates are from $30 to $50 depending on the number beds. All these Hotels, accept internationally recognized credit cards such as the Visa, Switch, Maestro and the MasterCard.
Travel
Arran Isle boasts of one of the best transport network in the world. Travelling and sightseeing from one location to another is exceptionally easy and fast. A tourist can choose his or her mode of travelling depending on the convenience and preference from several options. The first option is the use of the two ferries currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. The two ferries operated from Ardrossan (mainland) to Brodick (Arran) and from Claonaig (mainland) to Lochranza (Arran) respectively. The single fare cost approximately $ 8 in the summer and $6 during the winters. They offer a one of a kind view from the waters to the beautiful landscape on the mainland.
Secondly, one can travel by bus normally the usual number eleven bus, Clyde coast 585 and the x36 all of which are operated by stagecoach. They operate from Monday to Sunday every hour. The buses offer a more comfortable drive on the ground and provide tourist with a perfect view of the mainland and its geological features. The average fare using this mode of transport is approximately $10.
Train on the other hand, can be used but only as a prerequisite to boarding the ferry to the Arran since there lacks a bridge that links to Arran from the mainland. The train tickets are sold together with the ferry ticket since the train does not reach the Isle. The average ticket prices range from $5 per day.
Activities
Walking
Arran’s beautiful terrain and scenery offer more than a bargain for all the tourists. It an extremely popular destination for walking through its fantastic scenic walks. Beautiful sceneries in Goat Fell the highest mountain in this island, the Corrie Route, a steeper hill with lovely waterfalls and Clauchlands point characterized by numerous bird life and shrimps gathered out the tides under the rocks and in the summit lay the famous signal station from the World War 2.
Kayaking
This is one of the most popular sports in the Arran Isle. Voted one of the best kayaking destinations, the Arran Isle’s coastal waters, abundance wildlife and beautiful scenery offer the best kayaking experience. There are kayaking instructors for the beginners’ paddlers and paddlers that are more experienced. The kayaking courses are half day to a weeklong course to ensure all the people develop confidence on the Arran waters and have fun in the beautiful and safe environment.
Sightseeing
Arran Isle offer spectacular sites, sceneries and historical buildings for all to visit. The Brodick Castle and Country, and Garden Park. These are undoubtedly Arran most photogenic and proudest historic buildings. They are opened to the public seven days a week with excellent histories and the tour guides offer well informed knowledgeable docents. These historic buildings have a glimpse of the ancient Scotland culture from their architectural prowess, design and aesthetics.
Golden eagles
Majority of the mountainous north of Arran Isle, there are spectacular scenery created by the golden eagles. Around the coastlines, numerous diving birds maneuver with synchronized motions. Towards the south, are hen harriers and throughout the island there are many red squirrels and deer. The most fascinating scenery comes from the migrating birds including crossbills, waxwings, long tailed skuas and white tailed sea eagles.
Kildonan
Sightseeing in Arran Isle will never be complete without visiting the Kildonan. The centres of attraction include the lighthouse and majestic rock formation stretching in to the waters. The Arran igneous rock moreover, provides a perfect basking point for the many seals found along the beach. This is the best place to relax and enjoy the magnificent beach environment with marvelous cooling weather and scenery.
Food
Arran isle has the highest density of food producers in Scotland, it boasts of high quality vegetables, herbs, mustards, ice cream, beer, Scotch whisky and cheeses. This affirms its status as not only a beautiful place to tour, but also an excellent place where a person can eat and drink locally. The most notable restaurants include, Eighteen69 in Brodick. Eighteen69 is perfect for a special occasion, romantic, business, entertaining clients and local cuisines. There are various dining options available including, lunch spots, breakfast, dinner reservations and after hours. The food here is mouthwatering with exceptional value and extensive Scottish menu.
Another café available in Arran Isle is the Brambles seafood and Grill. It is located along Auchrannie road. It is most suited for Romantic dinner, local and business cuisines, and special occasion dinning. Moreover, there are various good value cooked foods using high quality local produce, coffee, snacks, burgers, chips and whisky.
Resources
Dillon, P. (2006). Walking on the Isle of Arran. Milnthorpe: Cicerone.
