This itinerary is ideal for you if you'd prefer a more easygoing, beginner-friendly walking adventure. We'll be covering 5-8 miles (8-13 km) per day.
Welcome to the isle of Arran, one of Scotland’s most accessible islands, just southwest of Glasgow! With only 5,000 inhabitants, it’s still relatively remote and it’s not crowded. So if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday with awe-inspiring views while simultaneously avoiding lots of people on trails, this 6-day adventure is for you! This all-women trip includes accommodation, breakfasts & packed lunches, necessary transfers, and expert guidance by an experienced guide.
Welcome to Brodick on the Isle of Arran! Check-in at the hotel is possible from 3 pm onwards, so make your travel arrangements accordingly. The guide will meet everyone for a briefing at Dunvegan House at 6pm, followed by a welcome dinner together at a local restaurant. Brodick is lovely to wander around, take in the sights, and to explore various shops.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Dunvegan House
We will walk along the shoreline of Brodick Bay to Cladach and then inland through the beautiful grounds of Brodick Castle. We will look out for red squirrels (though they are elusive!) and then make our way back towards Brodick. This is a gentle start to the holiday although there is a short but steepish footpath within the castle grounds to see a pretty waterfall.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 9 km (5 mi)
Elevation gain: 200 m (660 ft)
Accommodation: Dunvegan House
This is a fine walk from Brodick up through woods to a viewing point of Goatfell, then across the road to walk along the Claughlands Hills path to the Dun Fionn hill fort from where there are great views over Lamlash Bay to Holy Island. We then descend down to Lamlash for some refreshments and a bus back to Brodick.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Elevation gain: 350 m (1,150 ft)
Accommodation: Dunvegan House
Today we’ll have a relaxing day with a later start to catch the bus to the south-east of the island and Kildonan. We will both explore the lovely beach area which has a large seal colony and where occasionally otters can be seen! The views out to sea are very atmospheric, looking out onto the islands of Pladda and Ailsa Craig. We will also walk just inland through the woods to the Eas Mor waterfall. We finish at the Kildonan Hotel for a cuppa or pint before catching the bus back!
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 7.5 km (4.5 mi)
Elevation gain: 123 m (405 ft)
Accommodation: Dunvegan House
We use transport to travel to the wild and mountainous north of the island, it’s a wonderful journey with views of the coast and the goatfell mountains. We will briefly go into the ruins of the small ancient castle and then walk around Lochranza Bay on quiet lanes. We then follow the coastal path north-east round Newton Point to the Fairy Dell and then turn briefly inland climbing a short but steep ascent and walk back along The Whins. We follow the path up Glen Chalmadale for a short way before joining the road and descending to the whisky distillery for refreshments. There will be possible sightings of golden eagles! At the end of our walk, we’ll take a bus back to Brodick!
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 10 km (6 mi)
Elevation gain: 200 m (660 ft)
Accommodation: Dunvegan House
After enjoying our final breakfast at the lovely Dunvegan House, we’ll head out for a morning walk, so make sure you book a flight after 2 pm. If you’d like to keep on exploring the area, just ask us for some recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Not included:
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.
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.
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.
Discover more adventures in Scotland here! You can also check out more women-only trips here!
If you’d like to combine this with another fantastic hiking adventure, check out All-Women Walking Trip on the Isle of Bute!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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.
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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 pricing
Isle of Arran walking holidays can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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.
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.
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.