Women-Only Walking Holidays on Isle of Arran, Scotland

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 6-day women-only Isle of Arran walking tour
    • Accommodation for 5 nights in Dunvegan House (solo occupancy room)
    • Breakfasts from Day 2 to Day 6
    • Packed lunches on 5 days
    • Dinner on Day 1 (Beginners itinerary) or 6 dinners (Intermediates itinerary)
    • Local travel required for walks (Beginners itinerary) or a private minibus for transfers (Intermediates itinerary)

  Not included:

  • • Transportation to Arran
    • Dinners after the first night (Beginners’ itinerary) — your guide will organize to eat as a group, budget approximately £25 per meal, drink included
    • Drinks
    • Guide gratuities — optional
    • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
• How fit do I need to be?

  There are two itineraries to choose from when it comes to the Isle of Arran walking holidays. You don’t need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness and enjoyment of walking is important.

  Beginner itinerary
  This option is suitable for anyone who is comfortable with regular walking. Daily walks are generally between 5–8 miles (8-13 km) at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the views. There are some hills, but they are taken steadily and without rushing. The terrain includes good, firm paths along beaches, through woods, and into the mountainous north of the island, with some uneven footpaths.

  • • Maximum elevation: 350 m (1,150 ft)
    • Ideal if you walk regularly at home and are happy being on your feet for most of the day.

  Intermediate itinerary
  This option is designed for more confident walkers who want to explore more of Arran and enjoy longer, more demanding days. Walks are up to 10.5 miles (17 km) with significantly more ascent and occasional rocky sections. The pace is steady but days are longer and climbs are more sustained.

  • • Maximum elevation: 1,058 metres (3,500 feet)
    • Best suited to hikers who are used to longer walks, hills, and uneven terrain.

  If you’re unsure which level is right for you, think about how comfortable you are walking for several hours on consecutive days and tackling hills. We’re always happy to help you choose the itinerary that will be most enjoyable for you.

  For more adventures in Scotland, click here! Looking to discover more women-only trips? Discover them here!

  If you’d like to combine this with another fantastic hiking adventure, check out All-Women Walking Trip on the Isle of Bute!

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Day pack large enough to carry all the items you might need throughout the day
    • Hiking poles — optional
    • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
    • Comfortable hiking clothes
    • Spare clothes for layering
    • Waterproof rain jacket
    • Sunhat
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Headlamp or flashlight
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

  While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, the Isle of Arran is rich in diverse habitats that support a variety of wildlife. An experienced guide will take you to areas where you have the best chances of seeing animals such as otters, seals, squirrels, and possibly even golden eagles. The natural beauty of the island itself, combined with the potential for wildlife encounters, makes every walk a memorable experience!

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • These Isle of Arran walking holidays are women-only.
    • The usual client-to-guide ratio is 12:1.
    • This tour typically requires a minimum of 6 women to run. However, smaller groups can still proceed if participants agree to cover the additional costs. This will usually be discussed with your guide about six weeks before the tour start date. If you’re curious about the current number of participants, feel free to reach out.
    • Price of the tour is based on a single occupancy room. In case you’d like to share a double room with your friend/partner, you can get a discount at checkout.

  Isle of Arran walking holidays can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join these Isle of Arran walking holidays on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Is a single occupancy room available?

  The default accommodation for this adventure is a solo occupancy room! Rooms are either twin or double and are provided for your own use. If you’re travelling with a partner or friend and would like to share a room, this can be selected at checkout, where a shared-room discount will be applied.

• Getting there and meeting location

  The Isle of Arran is just southwest of Glasgow, so to get there, it’s best to first fly into Glasgow Airport (GLA). Then you can board a train to reach Ardrossan Harbour—trains run from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour every hour or so. The journey takes around 50 minutes and it’s very cheap to reach Ardrossan by train!

  Once in Ardrossan Harbour, you can either get on the ferry by foot or you can go with your car—in this case, make sure to book well in advance. Alternatively, you can park your car at the port. The ferry will take you on a 55-minute ride to Brodick, the starting point of your trip.

  Make sure to arrive by 3 pm for a check-in and orientation guide on Day 1 of the tour.

• Safety measures and insurance

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

  Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits
  Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

  Cancellations
  Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

  Basic

  • • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Flexible

  • • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Super Flexible

  • • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.