For those yearning for a winter retreat that feels worlds away, the Isle of Arran in Scotland could be the jewel you’ve been searching for. Nestled in the Firth of Clyde, the island is found just off the mainland’s west coast.
It is known both as a hiker’s sanctuary and for its wildlife-rich coastline, far removed from the typical tourist trail. As reported by The Mirror, Arran is even currently bidding for UNESCO Global Geopark status thanks to its one-of-a-kind natural landscape.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the beauty by foot, bike, or bus, leaving their cars behind for a true island experience. Meanwhile, history buffs will find their treasure in the six enigmatic standing stones at Machrie Moor that predate even Stonehenge.
There are also tours that visitors can head out on to learn more about Arran’s fascinating heritage, though solo explorations among the ancient megaliths make for an equally enchanting afternoon. The stones’ wonder have not gone unnoticed on TripAdvisor, where visitors have lavished praise.
The monument currently has an average rating of 4.5 out of five based on 423 reviews. One recent visitor wrote: “Amazing place, to my mind more interesting than Stonehenge due to the many different circles covering a far larger area. Good information boards, and not at all touristy. Hint – proceed past the first circle, there are very many more to be seen.”
A second shard: “The finest group of stone circles I have ever seen. A lovely setting and fantastic prehistoric monuments.”
Elsewhere, in addition to its rich history, Arran offers plenty of beauty spots to check out. The surrounding ocean is brimming with wildlife, including a resident population of porpoises.
Both bottlenose and common dolphins occasionally visit the waters, as do minke whales. Two species of seals—the harbour and the grey—are also year-round residents, while basking sharks make seasonal visits from June through October.
Meanwhile, in terms of food, there is a wide variety of popular and acclaimed restaurants around Arran. These include the Drift Inn in Lamlash and The Wineport in Brodick.
If you are keen on visiting the enchanting island, it is easily accessible from mainland Scotland via the MV Caledonian Isles car ferry. The journey takes around an hour, with spectacular views to enjoy along the way.
More information about what you can get up to on Arran can be found on the VisitScotland website.
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