21 Things To Do On Arran ….Including Golf
The Isle of Arran lies off Scotland’s Ayrshire coast and is one of the easiest islands to access from the mainland. A fleeting 24 hour visit, over 20 years ago, was now a distant memory. I’d been reminded that there are so many things to do on Arran, including golf, that I felt a return visit was long overdue.
Scotland has over 780+ islands off its coastline. 20 miles long and 10 miles wide, the Isle of Arran is Scotland’s seventh largest island. The main road (A841) around the whole island is only 53 miles long. The other main road is the String Road that takes you right across the centre of the island, from Brodick to Blackwaterfoot. Nothing is too far away on Arran.
Travel – Getting There
It is likely that you’ll be arriving on a Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) ferry from Ardrossan, south west of Glasgow to Brodick. If you’re coming from the west (Kintyre) then Lochranza in the north of the island will be your port of arrival. You’ll find timetables in the links above or click here.
I’d also highly recommend checking out Visit Arran’s website before you go: www.visitarran.com – it is full of useful information.
Activities on Arran
Arran is a family holiday island and if outdoor activities, with the family, are your thing, then Arran is the place for you.
The Island has plenty hill walking, beaches & coastal walks, mountains to climb, castles and historic buildings to visit.
There’s lots to do on the water, including kayaking, sailing and boat trips. You can jump on a horse, jump on a bike or try gorge walking & abseiling.
There are day trips to Kintyre & Holy Isle, distillery tours, brewery tours, photography workshops & Segway tours.
Whilst you’re doing all this, there is plenty wildlife to spot. Keep an eye out on the coastline for otters, seals, dolphins and basking sharks. On land, look out for red deer and red squirrels and look up for golden eagles and an array of seabirds.
I’ve detailed where you can find out about all these activities & who runs them, in our 21 Things To Do list later in the blog post.
And last but not least, the Island has seven golf courses. The three 9-hole courses are at Corrie, Lochranza & Machrie Bay. The three 18-hole courses are at Brodick, Lamlash & Whiting Bay. The island’s only links course is the 12-hole course at Blackwaterfoot (Shiskine GTC).
Arriving on Arran
As we travelled to Arran by ferry from Kintyre, our arrival port was Lochranza in the north of the island. The village of Lochranza lies in one of the most picturesque spots on the island and definitely worth a visit.
It was at Lochranza golf course that we made our first stop.
Lochranza Golf Course
Lochranza Golf Course was closed when we visited at the end of March but is open from April through to October. Keep an eye out for deer in the bunkers, red squirrels and golden eagles through the summer.
The course is flat and is suitable for all levels of golfer. There are some tricky holes where the over adventurous will be tested, particularly when the Lochranza burn comes into play. There are shorter teeing areas on the course which turn it into a pitch and putt course. This course is ideal for getting the whole family involved in golf.
Corrie Golf Course
As you work your way clockwise around the island, Corrie Golf Course will be your next course on the list. It’s a lovely 9-hole course, south of Lochranza in the village of Sannox. Like most of the courses on Arran, it is short at 1915 yards. There are five par 3s and four par 4s.
The 1st and 9th holes are straight forward and on level ground. The 2nd hole leads you on a gradual climb on the next few holes. What this course gives away in yardage, it takes back in the elevation, as you work your way up.
The higher you climb, the better the views get over to the Ayrshire coast and the mountain scenery of Arran. This is a short but testing course with great views and is made all the harder when the wind blows.
The views are what people talk about and they say it’s what makes this course something special. I would agree but I would also add that it is well maintained and worth a visit not just for the views.
The tearoom/coffee shop by the car park has a good reputation by all accounts – it was unfortunately closed when we came off the course.
As we returned to the village of Sannox, there were plenty seals to see basking on the rocks on the shore line. This was to be a familiar feature of our trip. As we head further south, next up is the capital of Arran, Brodick.
Brodick Golf Course
We were staying at the Auchrannie Hotel in Brodick, which is no more than 5 minutes, on foot, to Brodick Golf Course and perfect for a late afternoon walk.
The course sits on Brodick Bay and has a links look to it, due to its location. But after walking around the course I found out that it is a mainly parkland and with a handful of links holes on the back nine.
The 1st hole has the most wonderful view of Goatfell right ahead of you. Goatfell is one of four Corbetts on Arran and it’s the highest peak on the island at 2,866 feet.
A great wee par 3 at the 4th over the Rosa Burn, leads you onto a rare par 5 on Arran, at the 5th.
A short loop around the parkland holes at the 5th, 6th & 7th, brings you back to the 8th. You head out on 9 & 10 to the more links style part of the course.
Another great par 3 at the 15th has you playing back over Rosa Burn with the green surrounded by water hazards. There are two gentle par 4s at 16 & 17 before the tough 222-yard par 3, 18th tests your finishing skills.
Brodick GC is a good, flat walking course, in a lovely setting with Goatfell above you and Brodick Castle sitting just along the coastline. It gives you a good test of holes around Brodick Bay and is very reasonably priced. Worth a visit indeed.
Lamlash Golf Course
Only 3 miles south of Brodick lies Lamlash. The golf course sits above the village on the side of a hill with fantastic views out over the Clyde Estuary and beyond.
After teeing off at the 1st, you’ll work your way uphill to the highest point on this part of the course. By the time you get to the 4th green / 5th tee, the views over to Holy Isle are spectacular. This is a good point to catch your breath after your climb and a great place to get the camera out.
The par 3, 5th hole takes you right back down again. From the 6th hole, you begin a slow climb once more to the 9th tee. This is where the views out to the Clyde Estuary & Holy Isle reveal themselves in splendour once more.
The back nine doesn’t feel as tight as the front nine but the views are just as good, especially at the 12th hole, the highest point of the course.
The picturesque 18th green is what you’ll be looking over to, after your round, as you sit on the first-floor veranda of the clubhouse. Hopefully, soaking up more of the Scottish sunshine at this point!
Lamlash golf course maybe short but it is a challenging test. It’s tricky, it’s tight but has great views, a good variety of holes and offers good value for money.
Whiting Bay Golf Course
Whiting Bay is a short drive south of Lamlash. The golf club lies above Whiting Bay village on the south east coast of the island.
The course is on the side of a hill and is around 4,200 yards long. Length is not the issue here, as your challenges are the slopes and elevation. There are nine par 3s and nine par 4s and whilst a lot of the par 4s are short, there are five par 3s over 200 yards long.
The Course
The first stand out hole for me is the 4th which is only an 80-yard par 3, but plays to an elevated green with gullies around. The views are pretty good as well.
You’ll be delighted to get through a couple of tricky holes at 7 & 8 with net pars, before reaching the softer test at the 9th.
At the top of the course, by the 10th green & 11th tee, you won’t tire of views over to the Ayrshire coast. On a clear day, see if you can pick out the courses at Troon & Prestwick right across from you.
As you make your way back in, you’ll find your toughest hole at the 13th. It’s a par 3, to a raised green and is over 220 yards from the red & yellow tees; 249 from the whites.
Next challenge is at the 15th. There is trouble on the left and the green looks as if it’s hanging onto the edge of the course, with nothing but trees between it and the Clyde Estuary!
As you reach the 18th tee, you can’t quite relax yet, as you’ve still to face the best finishing hole on the island. It’s a 433-yard, par 4 and all downhill, with OB on the right. The clubhouse house lies close to the 18th green which is guarded by trees on the left, a hedge on the right and OB at the back. Good luck.
Machrie Bay Golf Course
Over on the west cost of the island, you will find Machrie Bay Golf Course. I took the String Road (B880) from Brodick but then half way along I took one of the back roads to Machrie.
There are three par 3s and six par 4s on this 2100-yard, 9-hole course. The course is flat and has generous fairways. It doesn’t feel too intimidating, apart from the first hole & your approach to the ninth.
Right handed slicers/faders will be challenged from the word ‘go’, as there is water all down the right at the first. There is also OB on the right hand side at several other holes.
Machrie Bay golf course has its own ‘Road Hole’ at the ninth. This is where you have to play over the main A841 road which runs around the whole island!
The bigger hitters may want to go for this green from the tee. Beware, as there is water at the back of the green, OB on the right and small matter of the A841 road to negotiate. Needless to say, there will be a few things playing havoc with your mind, if you decide to go for it.
The course looks out west, so you have stunning views over the Kilbrannan Sound and out to the Kintyre Peninsula. The views get even better in the early evening as the sun starts to set. An 8pm tee off time for 9 holes, is not out of the question, in the Scottish mid-summertime.
This is yet another wonderful wee course, that is ideal to introduce the family to golf and offers good value for money.
Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club
Just along the road, heading south from Machrie Bay golf course, you’ll find Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club.
This course is an absolute gem and I’d recommend that you don’t leave the island without playing this one!
Dougie Bell, the club professional, will keep you right, if it’s your first time to Shiskine. He’s been the pro here for the best part of 14 years and has a lovely, well stocked shop right on the first tee.
The golf course is the only links course on the island and, unusually, it only has 12 holes. Each of those 12 holes has character, variety and will have you thinking on every shot.
The course was looking in great condition at the end of March when I visited. All credit to head greenskeeper, Stewart and his assistant Glen.
The Course – the outward six
Shiskine also has its own ‘Road Hole’ which is at the first hole. This hole is fairly straight forward, as long as you don’t go too far left with your drive or too long with your approach.
The Second is called ‘Twa Burns’ for an obvious reason. If your approach shot is short of the green, it’ll end up in the second one!
The third hole is Crow’s Nest …. what a par 3 this is. You play to an elevated green, where you simply can’t be short or left. The view from the green is breath taking and you’d come back for that alone!
The 4th, appropriately named ‘Shelf’, takes you right back down again to sea level, from an elevated tee. You can’t help but notice the magnificent Drumadoon Cliffs over to your right, as you play this hole.
The 5th (The Point) has you driving right out to the corner of the course. From the tee, the green looks as if it’s sitting on the water’s edge, with the Kilbrannan Sound and Kintyre as a back drop.
OB comes into play along the right hand side of the 6th as you play along the beach front. The big hitters may be tempted to go for the green on this 266-yard par 4.
The Course – the inward six
The 7th is a great wee hole, OB right and a burn at the back of the green. There is an illusion of the hole being very tight and narrow from the tee which will put you under pressure. As you walk through the gap, all becomes clear and you’ll see there is plenty room to the left.
You’ll be looking for birdies at the par 4, 220 yard 8th and possibly at the par 5, 9th. This depends on how you decide to play it, avoiding the burn.
Another elevated tee at the 10th has great views but will demand an accurate tee shot to the tricky green that slopes from back to front.
There are two par 3s to finish, the toughest of which comes at the 196 yard, 11th to another tricky green. As you tap in on the short par 3, 12th and retrieve your ball from the cup, I am sure you’ll be planning your return visit.
Top 100 course
Shiskine is a lovely links course and deserves its place in Scotland’s Top 100 courses. My advice, for what it’s worth, is to book at least two rounds here. Your first round will be used to find your way around the course and get familiar with the blind shots. You can then shoot the lights out…. or try to, on your second round!
Arran Golf Courses Summary
The golf courses on Arran are shorter than most of the courses you would play elsewhere in Scotland. Short does not mean easy and you will face different challenges on each course, as they all have their own characteristics.
Despite this individuality, the golf courses of Arran have several things in common. Magnificent settings, fabulous views, reasonable green fees and visitors are very welcome. Golf on Arran is fun; it’s holiday golf and Arran does it well.
Arran Golf Pass
The green fees on Arran are very reasonable, however, for £110 you can buy an Arran Golf Pass that allows you one round of golf on all 7 golf courses on Arran.
The Arran Golf Pass can be purchased from www.golfonarran.com and is valid for 12 months, if you can’t play all 7 in one visit.
Places to Stay
There are plenty places to stay on Arran. Here is a small selection of places we looked at before we arrived:
Also check out Visit Arran’s website for more accommodation:
www.visitarran.com
21 Things To Do On Arran
There is so much to do on Arran and it definitely has something for everyone. I’ve compiled a list of activities that we came across (or were recommended to do) on our trip.
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Things to do on Arran – Isle of Arran Distillers – Arran Whisky, Lochranza
Across the road from the Lochranza golf course is the Arran Whisky distillery and Visitor Centre. They do 1 hour tours throughout the day in the summer months or you can visit their tearoom for refreshments after 9 holes.
Find out more about the food & drink producers of Arran at:
A Taste of Arran – www.taste-of-arran.co.uk -
Things to do on Arran – Lochranza Castle
The village of Lochranza really is in one of the most picturesque surroundings in Scotland. The ruins of Lochranza Castle sit, surrounded by water, with hills towering over the village. If you’re lucky, you’ll see red deer come right down to the water’s edge to feed off the seaweed.
Lochranza Castle – © www.TheHomeofGolf.com -
Things to do on Arran – Day trip to Kintyre – (from Lochranza)
It’s only a short 30-40 mins ferry to Kintyre. Catch the ferry from Lochranza. See our blog post from last month, to see what to do in Kintyre – Click Here – The Long and Winding Road to Kintyre
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Things to do on Arran – The Auchrannie Resort, Brodick
We decided to stay at the Auchrannie Hotel in Brodick. It seemed like a good central place to stay, as Brodick sits in the middle of the island. All the golf courses are very accessible from here, as is everything else. The resort has a traditional house hotel, with its own pool and leisure facilities for hotel guests and members.
However, my reason for mentioning the resort is because there is also a larger leisure complex which is open to non-residents. It’s ideal for those wet days and includes a spa, swimming pool, steam room, sauna, gym and various yoga and exercise classes. Also, the sports hall has tennis, badminton & carpet bowls. The restaurant upstairs is ideal but book in advance as it gets very busy.
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Things to do on Arran – Arran Adventure, Brodick
www.auchrannie.co.uk/adventure
Sharpen up your archery skills, have a go at gorge-walking or take a Segway tour.
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Things to do on Arran – Arran Bike Hire, Brodick
Explore the island on 2 wheels with Arran Bike Hire
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Things to do on Arran – Arran Brewery, Brodick
The brewery is only a 5 minute drive to the north of Brodick, off the A841. Why not book yourself in for a 45 minute tour of the brewery and tasting.
Find out more about the food & drink producers of Arran at:
A Taste of Arran – www.taste-of-arran.co.uk -
Things to do on Arran – Arran Cheese Shop, Brodick
The Island Cheese Co Ltd has a shop outside Brodick, where it produces its Isle of Arran cheese. You can see it being made at the small shopping centre at Home Farm, 5 mins drive north of Brodick, KA27 8DD
Find out more about the food & drink producers of Arran at:
A Taste of Arran – www.taste-of-arran.co.uk -
Things to do on Arran – Arran Aromatics, Brodick
In the same small shopping centre as the Isle of Arran Cheese shop, you can find Arran Aromatics, at Home Farm, Brodick, KA27 8DD
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Things to do on Arran – Brodick Castle & formal Gardens, Brodick
Brodick Castle – © www.TheHomeofGolf.com A visit to Brodick Castle is a must when visiting Arran.
When you’re there, take a wander around the extensive gardens and explore the new Silver Garden Trail and Plant Hunters’ Walk. There’s over 10 miles of waymarked trails in the country park that work their way in and around woodland, waterfalls and bathing pools.
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Things to do on Arran – Arran in Focus – photography courses, Lamlash
www.arraninfocus.co.uk
Arran in Focus offers photography workshops for beginners and more advanced photography enthusiasts. Workshops run all year round with between 1 – 4 students or you can book a 1:1 session.
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Things to do on Arran – visit the Machrie Moor Standing Stones, Machrie
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
Visit a number of standing Stones near the village of Machrie. Access details in the article above.
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Things to do on Arran – visit The King’s Cave, Machrie
Lovely forest and shoreline walk from Blackwaterfoot to a place where it is said that Robert the Bruce took shelter on the island. More details in the article above.
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Things to do on Arran – Paragliding over the island (pick-up at Brodick)
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Things to do on Arran – 19 Walks on Arran
19 completely different walks of various lengths and difficulty
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Things to do on Arran – Beaches to visit
Brodick, Whiting Bay, Kildonan, Sannox & Blackwaterfoot
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Things to do on Arran – Boat trip to Holy Isle from Lamlash
Holy Isle info – © www.TheHomeofGolf.com Day visitors should contact the Holy Isle Ferry directly:
Jim Blakey 01770 700463 / 07970 771960 -
Things to do on Arran -Arran Heritage Museum, Brodick
Visit the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum and take a step back in time, in order to get a feel for the island’s past.
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Things to do on Arran – Arran Outdoor Centre, Lamlash
www.arranoutdoor.com
Based in Lamlash, includes Kayaking, Abseiling, Mountain Biking, Sailing & Gorge Walking
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Things to do on Arran – Horse Riding at Cairnhouse Stables (Blackwaterfoot)
Horse riding and pony trekking
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Things to do on Arran… & if you have any time left, there’s always Golf!
