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This page is an introduction to the island, its hills, scenery and villages. You will find links to other related websites of interest, and a map at the bottom of the page. You may also wish to visit the Links and Wildlife pages, and browse my blog.
The Goatfell Range
The Goatfell Mountain Range is situated in the North of Arran.
The highest peak, Goatfell itself, rises 874m out of Brodick Bay and is clearly visible from the ferry as you arrive- if it is not wearing its cap of cloud! Because Arran is an island surrounded by sea, it can be quite damp, especially in the mountains which are regularly cloaked in mist. The mountains are comprised of granite, a rough volcanic rock that formed at the heart of a super volcano about 65 million years ago. They are cut by deep glens, such as Glen Rosa, which were gouged out by glaciers during the Ice Age, which ended about 11 million years ago. These glens are a joy to walk in, with wonderful mountain scenery accessible to less experienced walkers. It is still possible to see the rubble dumped by the retreating glaciers at the head of Glen Rosa. The peaks and ridges themselves tend to be fine, pointed aretes, making Arran a worthy mountaineering and walking challenge. The main ridge is the longest and most serious in Britain after the Cuillins of Skye. The "Achir" section of this ridge, requires rock climbing skills and equipment to traverse safely. The mountains are home to golden eagles,red deer and a whole range of special plants and animals. A large part of the Goatfell Range is owned and looked after by the National Trust for Scotland. Take a look at their Goatfell Pages.
The Southern Hills
The
"Southend" is characterised by vast expanses of rolling moorland,
covered by dense heather and a patchwork of forestry plantations.
Walks from the Dyemill in Lamlash
and Glenashdale in Whiting bay will take you up to the edges of the
moor, but much of the terrain is pathless, wild, and home to birds such
as the graceful hen harrier, short eared owl and red grouse. A drive
over the narrow and winding Ross Road, is not for the faint hearted,
but is the easiest way to glimpse the heather moors and is great for
wildlife watching- just keep an eye on the road too! The highest point
in the south of the island is Tighvein. The picture below is of
Benlister Glen,West of Lamlash.
Beaches and Bays
The coastline of
Arran is about 60 miles long and it is along the coast that most people
live. Pleasant sandy beaches can be found in the villages of Brodick,
Lamlash, Whiting Bay, Kildonan, Blackwaterfoot, and at various points
along the Southend such as Kilmory and Cleats Shore. Cleats Shore is
officially a nudist beach, but our Scottish Climate means that folk
rarely fully brave the elements here!
 Other parts of the coastline are rockier, and a haven for wildlife such
as seals, otters and wading birds. The bay in Lochranza offers
unparalleled views of Lochranza castle and across to Argyll. The Arran
Coastal Way is a long distance path that circumnavigates the island.
Most of it is fairly straightforward, but there are one or two sections
that require care and a careful eye on the tides. For more information
please visit the Coastal Way Website.
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