7 June 2019
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.
What's included?
- Accommodation
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per the itinerary
- Ferry crossings
Deposit: £100
Tour highlights:
- Sailing across the Firth of Clyde and watching the mountains of Arran draw ever nearer
- Highly scenic circular tour of the island
- Distillery tour and tasting
- The incomparable setting and colourful gardens of Brodick Castle
- Optional excursion to Achamore Gardens and the tranquil Isle of Gigha
- The comfortable Kinloch Hotel, located on the ‘sunset side’ of the island
Tour details
| Dates | 7 June 2019 - 11 June 2019 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days |
| Cost |
£675
Deposit: £100
Single supplement: $TBC Balance due by 15 March 2019 |
| Activity Level | Easy-Going |
| Tour code | BWASM19B |
Departure Points
| Location | Depart | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 0700 | 1815 |
| Montrose | 0745 | 1730 |
| Arbroath | 0805 | 1510 |
| Dundee | 0830 | 1645 |
| Perth | 0900 | 1615 |
| Kinross | 1000 | 1515 |
| Dunfermline | 1015 | 1500 |
| Edinburgh | 1100 | 1445 |
| Glasgow | 1215 | 1330 |
Please note all timings are approximate and may be changed. They will be confirmed when the joining instructions are sent out, approximately ten days prior to departure.
7 June 2019: Itinerary
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 lunch, followed by a tour of the distillery and a taste of the finished product.
We return to our hotel in time for dinner, after which we will be joined by a local historian who will give an interesting talk on the mysterious case of the Goat Fell Murder of 1889.
All meals included
Hotel: Best Western Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot
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.
Meals include: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Best Western Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot
This morning we have included a visit to the Gardens of Brodick Castle. 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. Note: the castle itself closed at the end of 2016 for essential maintenance but is expected to open for Easter 2019. If open then a visit to the castle will be included.
The afternoon will be free in Brodick. We will return to our hotel for dinner.
Meals include: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Best Western Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot
Sadly today we must head for home. This morning, following breakfast, we will travel to the ferry port in time for the 11.05hrs 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 include: Breakfast
7 June 2019: Additional Info
7 June 2019: Accommodation
Family owned and operated for 60 years, this beach front hotel on the sunset side of the Island offers comfort, value and service with a smile! 37 en-suite bedrooms, 7 self-catering suites, indoor heated swimming pool, children's pool, sauna, squash court, snooker room and WiFi throughout.
