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Arran, Scotland in Miniature
From £795
Summary
As you board the ferry at Ardrossan, you see the distinctive silhouette of Goat Fell rising dramatically from the clear waters of the Firth of Clyde giving a foretaste of your destination whose unique magic never disappoints. Often described as "Scotland in Miniature", Arran has a blend of Highland and Island scenery with granite peaks and deep glens to the north of the island, contrasting with its rolling and lush farmlands to the south.
Only 56 miles around its coastline, the small villages are compared to ‘jewels on a necklace’ strung out like pearls around the island. From Blackwaterfoot we will visit Whiting Bay, Lamlash, Brodick - the capital of Arran, the pretty village of Corrie under the shadow of Goat Fell and Sannox before passing the '12 Apostles' at Lochranza. The Gardens of Brodick Castle leave a lasting impression, the setting is staggering and its garden is a mass of colour at any time of the year – in spring the scent of azaleas and rhododendrons fills the air while in autumn the trees don their autumn cloaks and the foliage blazes with reds, golds and ambers.
We will be based for four nights at the 3-star Best Western Kinloch Hotel in Blackwaterfoot, on the western shore of the island, overlooking Kilbrannan Sound and the Mull of Kintyre. The hotel has a heated swimming pool, sauna, solarium, squash court, snooker and fitness room. Here you will receive a truly warm welcome, sample the best of local Arran produce and enjoy a friendly atmosphere.
Departure Routes
Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure.
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Your Departure date
Today's Price
£795
Deposit: £100 Single supplement: £180
Enhance your experience
Whether you want to add extra nights on either side of your tour, you want to upgrade your flight or hotel room, or you are hoping to enjoy a door-to-door airport transfer, we can help.
To add special extras to your tour, call our Specialist Sales Executives to discuss your needs on 01334 657155.
Your itinerary
Day 1 -
We depart from our designated pick up points and head for Ardrossan in time to catch the afternoon ferry to Brodick. On arrival on Arran our coach will transfer us to Blackwaterfoot where our accommodation has been organised for the next four nights at the Kinloch Hotel.
Dinner will be served in the evening.
| Hotel | Best Western Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot |
|---|---|
| Meals included | Dinner |
Day 2 -
Today following breakfast we have a circular tour of the island of Arran. Only 56 miles around its coastline, the small villages are compared to 'jewels on a necklace' strung out like pearls around the island.
From Blackwaterfoot we will visit Whiting Bay, Lamlash, Brodick - the capital of Arran; Corrie and Sannox under the shadow of Goat Fell and other mountains, and then down the west coast to Catacol and Pirnmill with its '12 Apostles'.
Also included today is a visit to the Isle of Arran Distillery, where we will have an opportunity for lunch (not included), followed by a tour of the distillery and a taste of the finished product.
We return to our hotel in time for dinner.
| Hotel | Best Western Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot |
|---|---|
| Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Day 3 -
Today will be free to relax in the hotel and its surroundings. Alternatively for those who wish we have organised an optional excursion to the little Hebridean island of Gigha (not included). Nestling close to the mainland just off the Kintyre peninsula, this is a gem of an island often overlooked by the island hopper. We will visit Achamore Gardens, the former home of the Horlick family. Sir James Horlick (of bedtime drink fame) came here in 1944 and started to create a woodland garden. A light lunch is served at the Gigha Hotel before we have a wander around the gardens. The mild climate combined with high levels of rainfall means that there is always something in bloom. We return to the Kinloch Hotel for dinner.
| Hotel | Best Western Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot |
|---|---|
| Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Day 4 -
This morning we have included a visit to the Brodick Castle and Gardens. Brodick Castle occupies a splendid position, well protected from westerly winds and looking east across the Firth of Clyde. The present garden dates from 1932 when the Duchess of Montrose started an ambitious woodland garden with a collection of rhododendrons. From the castle, paths wind downhill towards the seashore, and in a shady place there is a fernery and a delightful Bavarian summer house embellished with rustic work and lovely inlaid panels of pinecones. A walled garden, dating from 1710, has been restored and mixed borders on three sides retain the gardener's interest throughout the year.
The afternoon will be free in Brodick. We will return to our hotel for dinner.
| Hotel | Best Western Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot |
|---|---|
| Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Day 5 -
Sadly today we must head for home. This morning, following breakfast, we will travel to the ferry port in time for the crossing to Ardrossan where we expect to arrive early afternoon. Thereafter we will return to our original pick up points to arrive late afternoon/early evening - your driver will be able to confirm a more precise return time en route home.
| Meals included | Breakfast |
|---|
Tour dates & prices
Included in your cost:
- Accommodation
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per the itinerary
- Ferry crossings
| Tour Departure | Tour ID | Departure date | Return Date | Guided by | Price | Deposit | Single supplement | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 September 2022 | BARR220912 | 12 September 2022 (Monday) | 16 September 2022 (Friday) | £795 (ex. flights) |
£100 | £180 | Call for availability |
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