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Trip Report

Isle of Arran, Scotland with Kids

A week of hiking, skim boarding, gorge walking, trying local food, drinking beer and enjoying the sun.

  • Goatfell+ 3
  • Goatfell
  • Goatfell
  • Isle of Arran, Scotland with Kids
riaancoetzee
About Me:
AtlasGuru Contributor

EuropeUnited Kingdom1 day / July 2021

Highs & Lows

Skim boarding on the beach in the summer heat was incredible.

The horseflies and midges were very annoying as it got towards dusk time on the island.

Itinerary Overview

In mid July me, my partner and her family set off to the Isle of Arran. The only way to get onto the island by car is by a ferry that we took which takes around 45 minutes from the mainland. The views from the top of the ferry were absolutely incredible as we went over the water at sunset. Once onto the island drove about 20 minutes to the Glen Rosa campsite which should have only taken 5-10 minutes, however, it was slightly more difficult to find than explained. The campsite has very basic facilities e.g. a tap for drinking water, toilets and a field to set up tents. My only issue with the campsite was the amount of midges that were there (at one point we had to sit back in the car for a while during the tent setup because they were that bad) but in Scotland you have to accept the fact there are going to be a lot anyway. The next day we headed to the house that we were staying in for the week which was about a thirty minute drive although it didn’t feel that long because the views from the coastal road were absolutely stunning. The house we stayed in was a place called black water foot overlooking the sea and was only a five minute walk from the beach. 

 


 

  • Day trip: Goatfell
    Hiking
  • Day trip: King's Caves
    Exploring caves and secluded beaches
Goatfell - Hiking
1

Goatfell Hiking

Goatfell - Hiking - null
Goatfell - Hiking - null
Goatfell - Hiking - null

The second day we were on the island we decide to take a hike up the famous goat fell. The walk was great as we were blessed with the weather. The first part of the walk however was slightly more difficult due to the amount of horseflies that we’re trying to bite me. Once at the top you could see the entire island surrounding you and even the mainland in the distance. 

King's Caves - Exploring caves and secluded beaches
2

King's Caves Exploring caves and secluded beaches

King's Caves - Exploring caves and secluded beaches - null
King's Caves - Exploring caves and secluded beaches - null
King's Caves - Exploring caves and secluded beaches - null

During our time in Arran we heard about this place from quite a few people that live in the area and they all said it was worth a visit. We decided to take a trip to the caves which ended up only being about a 20 minute drive  from Blackwaterfoot. Once we arrived at the car park theres a beautiful woodland path you can take directly to the beach which only takes around 15-20 minutes to walk. The beach itself is a very rocky beach with very little sand, the caves are huge and look incredible when you're inside them. 

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    I think if I could go back I would have definitely tried to do a bit more of the activities or I would have done a bit more walking on the island as I feel like I didn’t do as much as I should have done.
  • Packing tips?

    The only thing I would recommend to pack is insect repellent because if you go out during the dusk hours you will definitely need it.
  • Transportation Tips?

    The island is very easy to get around on. There’s a coastal road that loops around the entire island and it only takes about an hour to do the full circuit in a car. I would recommend if the weather is good enough that you cycle as much as possible.