After watching too many videos about the craziness in the world, I can always count on Steve to remind of the beauty and kindness that's out there in abundance. Watching and listening to these videos is a sort of antidote -- a much appreciated therapy in these trying times.
A tip for those heading from Edinburgh to Glasgow by train, especially if the final destination is Arran (something I did dozens of times from 2015 to 2022): instead of taking the faster train to Glasgow Queen St., catch the slower train that goes direct to Glasgow Central. It's a longer journey as it stops at all the smaller stations, but it's much quieter than the commuter route to Queen St. I like it because it gives me proper time to get a little work done with my laptop or do some reading, and it means there is then no need to trek between the two stations (not a long walk, but in summer with luggage, enough to get a bit melty). What I did was catch the train one hour prior to that which would be the normal connection for the train to Ardrossan Harbour, thus giving a buffer in the event of train disruption, or if it's on time then one reaches the harbour an hour early, but that never bothers me, I just chill in the passenger lounge. Look out for the small number of wall power sockets dotted about the lounge behind the seats. At the back of the lounge, there's a socket to the rear right of the potted tree. A couple of worthy points about the ferry journey. If booking in advance during winter then travel disruption due to bad weather, in either direction, is far more likely, so take this into account when planning, eg. book ferries a slot earlier than really necessary to give a disruption buffer. Also, compare the winter & summer timetables; the sailing times in summer which are not present during winter tend to be serviced by smaller ferries, so aim for the common sailings if you prefer the larger vessel with its better facilities (I normally catch the 1230 or 1520 sailing to Brodick). If I was taking a car, I would for sure try to book the sailings with the larger ferries. And please beware that not all ferry sailings connect to bus services for the north island, ie. if you're heading for Corrie, Sannox, Lochranza, Pirnmill, etc. This is especially true for late sailings and during winter, so check times carefully if you need bus connections to reach a B&B, camp site or whatever. The south island has far more frequent buses which I believe always connect with a ferry. Thus, for example, if the 1800hrs sailing from Brodick is delayed or cancelled, but you're able to make it over on the next sailing, then to head north may require a taxi booking, unless of course you take a car over. If travelling by car, book well in advance; slots can fill up fast during high season. Also note that on Arran, one can hail to get on a bus anywhere, not just at official bus stops (within reason), and if you're nice to the drivers & mention your destination B&B, hotel, footpath or whatever then most of them will be happy to stop at the exact spot. I've even seen a driver reverse 20 yards so an elderly lady could step off at her cottage gate. When I went over, the drivers would do this for me, unless there was traffic which would get in the way (in my case, the house was just before a river crossing). Concerning summer travel: the buses can be extremely busy indeed; extra buses are put on during some days, especially for special event days or weekends such as the Brodick Highland Games in August (the busiest day of the year, it can get kinda crazy at the ferry terminal). Thus, if you're in Brodick and want to catch a bus north (typically the 323 or 324), then do so from the pier terminus, because if you alight from a stop further into Brodick then it's likely by then it'll be standing room only, usually because of the hordes coming off the ferry. Indeed, when I travel to Arran, I always make sure I'm the first in line to exit the ferry so that I have the best chance of getting a seat on the bus, which for me was the 324 to Sannox. In the winter though this is rarely an issue. Steve, if you return to Arran, I recommend if possible doing so sometime during March to mid-April, before the Spring weather really kicks off. Ideally, aim for when there's still snow on the mountains and upper hills, clear skies, sunny day, a light wind. Use Ventuksy to monitor weather trends. It'll be chilly (especially in a stronger wind), but there will be few tourists, no bugs or midgies (the best!), and all the bracken & ferns will still be sparse on the slopes from the winter die-back, so the views are much better, the going far easier for walks. I climbed Caisteal Abhail in Mar/2022 in such weather (2nd highest peak on Arran, just to the west of Sannox), it was perfect, more of a challenge too as there's no proper path for the final ascent (I ascended from the north side, then south back down into Glen Sannox Valley, then eastwards back to Sannox village, with a stop at the cemetery), I can post a video link if desired. Even the approach from the north via the North Glen Sannox footpath is on its own though a very worthy walk, especially if timed for early morning at such a time of year, catch the sun breaking through mist and fog on the trail between the trees. I took some pics but they don't do the scene justice. The year before in mid April I climbed to the Devil's Punch Bowl in Sannox, and this year if possible I want to climb the peak to the west of Goatfell (already done Goatfell many times), Beinn Tarsuinn. Arran is awash with wonderful walks and climbs, but Goatfell gets most of the attention, the climb perhaps now too easy with a well laid out path. Personally, I'm not so keen on doing such ventures in summer, the midgies can be infuriating if they're bad on the day, and the bracken & ferns grown so high makes it difficult to see the ground one is treading on, spoiling many views aswell. Atop Caisteal Abhail though in March, with sandwiches and a thermos of still hot Earl Grey, totally awesome. I could write more about bus & foot travel on Arran, but this will do for an off the top of my head starter. I'll end with my favourite exchange I heard on a 324 bus at Brodick pier, by a tourist lady who'd come off the ferry: Tourist: "How much is a ticket?" Driver: "Depends where you're going, love!"
I grew up in Edinburgh, now living in Las Vegas. I bring my kids back to Arran as much a possible they love it just as much as I did when I was kid. We used to holiday there every year. It's the most amazing island I've ever been on and even now so consider retiring there. My island. My favorite place in the world.
Wonderful as always Steve. You have done so much for Scottish tourism in my eyes. When I am back in the UK my girlfriend and I are Scotland bound and I will be going to many of the places you have presented on RUclips. Thanks again Steve for another worthy addition to your ventures. Cheers.
The UK is so civilized being able to take your dogs up with you. In B. C. ferries they are left on leash on car deck! Cold and nasty if you have to stay with them on a 4 hour trip. Loved your very intriguing Arran Island. Fabulous video please come back with Alejca and show us more! 🇨🇦
This is one of the reasons why I love going over to Arran on the ferry. It’s a perfect holiday to take our dog. We first went to Arran when my dog was a 6 month old puppy and there is plenty of space out on deck or in the designated dog area Steve shows on the video. Arran is a very dog friendly island. Hoping to go back over next March for a long weekend.
That’s good to hear! I live nearin Glasgow but was born in and grew up 11 miles from Edinburgh. I love both but run of camera memory rapidly in the latter!
Its really great to see that someone is promoting the Scottish travel scene, a bit of comedy and a bit of fact, and I take my hat of to you Steve as you make it that bit more interesting, well done sir.
Nowhere else in the world is there scenery and quiet spaces such as Scotland. Miss the place. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to return. Steve, thank you so much for these videos.
We used to go from hame in Falkirk to Machrie and Blackwaterfoot from the late '40's to early '60's...Train to Queen St to St ENOCH'S to Ardrossan or Fairlie....Non corridor hauled by 2-6-4 tanks. In the early days I remember the 2 Funnelled GLEN SANNOX...Cars were driven over big planks from jetty to ship [ no way in these hyper safety days...The old Bedford bus would take us over the String Road to the West Coast...On the return bus trip it was normal for 3 or 4 calves in hessian sacks in the back of the bus.....Many happy teenage memories
Just 17 quid? Wow! I'm having some of that Steve! 😅 We love Glasgow by the way. It's a fab city and we usually stay at the Premier Inn Pacific Quay with its fab views across the river to the Hydro and the Clydeport crane. It's a lovely walk along the river into the city centre too or a short walk to up and coming Finnieston, the Kelvingrove park\museum and the west end. The Ferry crossing to Arran looked stunning as is that beautiful island itself. Thanks for yet another heads up on an a wonderful part of Scotland.
@@TriciaBute no bother Tricia. If you do stay at the Premier Inn Pacific Quay, contact the hotel a week or two before your arrival and ask for a river view room. They always oblige. It has a nice terrace overlooking the river outside the bar area too. The Crowne Plaza & Radisson Red hotels are on the opposite side of the river next to the SECC\Hydro are lovely hotels too, albeit more expensive. If the weather is bad, an Uber into the city centre is about £7 or £8.
People really do make Glasgow. I make it over every few years for the pipe band championships, last time was in 2017 when that Tim Hortons opened and I picked up a Tim Hortons Glasgow mug. I'm originally from Kent in the south east but now live in Hamilton, Ontario where Tims started. Loved the video Steve and especially love Scotland. It's an amazing country and somewhere I always visit when I'm back visiting friends and family down south.
Having stayed on the Island during the summer many times over the years, it was wonderful to see it again.Arran remains my most favourite place on earth 💙
Great video once again, Steve! Arran is now higher on my bucketlist of places to visit. I had no idea it was that easy to reach from Glasgow, considering it takes ages with the train to reach other places in the region.
Arran, love to cycle it - usually a Saturday morning ferry over, then the 5pm back. Of course, making time for the chippy just at the pier as it's excellent. Do like the fact you're highlighting all these really accessible trips, and affordable too! £17 is just such value. For a day out .... how can you not include this as a destination.
My wife used to prefer Edinburgh until I showed her the delights of Glasgow and now it’s her favourite city to visit, she just loves the peoples palace the walks, the parks, you get the picture, I worked a lot in Glasgow and the surrounding area and the Glaswegians helped me to find out a lot about their city, plus I’m old enough to remember the boat from Belfast to adrossan and the boat to Glasgow from Derry/ Londonderry, can’t believe you walked past whetherspoons in George square
A tonic for the eyes - and the soul ! - A marvellous day trip expertly filmed and described - you make it look so easy - but I would imagine its not. Excellent !
Lived on the Isle of Arran and worked for Cal Mac in 86. Great company! Love Scotland, the Scots, the accent, the pipes. Great people,great memories ! Thanks for your videos!
I don't think I've watched one of your videos yet where you haven't said you're going back, which is great news as you are frequently on quite a tight turn around & would love to see more. After a week in my sick bed I can honestly say I've enjoyed my week in Scotland ;) Love your videos keep it up!
That was brilliant..you were down my neck of the woods in this one..you would've passed glengarnock station,thats the one i get off at if i am ever in glasgow..i go to saltcoats all the time with my wee mum for our shopping days as we love it..if i ever won the lottery i would buy a wee house in arran..its my fave place..ive been a few times & fell in love with it..been all round the island & you cant put into words how beautiful it is..hope to get a few days over nxt summer..this made me smile..just brilliant..😁😁
How has it taken so long for me to find this Steve? Great video. Arran is such a stunningly beautiful place and it is a great pity that so many Scots haven't found it yet - it is so easy and inexpensive to get to and so maybe this film will help them ! My family spent nearly all of our annual holidays in the 1950s at Lamlash and as it was home to my ancestors on my father's side it still holds a very special place in my heart.
17 quid 😲 enough to bring a smile to a Scotsman 😁, Something to be said about visiting these wonderful places off peak & enjoying the solitude. Great video 👍
"Scotland in miniature" as it's known. You must have almost been at the Cladach centre where the path up Goat Fell begins. It's a great walk on a nice summer's day as the views from the summit are fantastic.
Didn’t know you can do this. As a South African I am just never think of public transport and hire a car for my trips to Scotland. Thanks for the wonderful video.
Thanks so much Andrew! Aye, there are some great public transport connections around Scotland, but sometimes they are hidden away and need a bit of research, happy to help! All the best!
Hi Steve, as someone who has thoroughly enjoyed your videos over the last year or so and loves Arran, I’m delighted you made it over and got such a positive first impression. There really is a lot to do and from seeing what you enjoy I’d certainly recommend a trip with the van - Glen Rosa, Glenashdale Falls/Giant’s Graves, Goat Fell and Brodick Castle Gardens would be wonderful places to explore, to name just a few. Thanks for posting this - it’s cheered me up after a long day.
Had the privilege of working on Arran 5 days a week back in 2019, literally next to the bank in your video! The commute back to Fife was definitely the best part. Caley Isles is a cracking ship! Arran is definitely one of, if not the most beautiful islands definitely earns its nick name as a mini Scotland. Walked that walkway and beach to the castle many a time, have to say though the gardens are nicer than the castle. Definitely go back over if you can, it so much to see!
What a beautiful island Arran looks to be. My daughter travelled to Arran for the wedding of one of her friends, and loved the island. I think I should add it to the tally of Scottish islands I've visited or (in the case of Shetland) lived on. Great video, as always.
Arran is my favourite place in the whole world. My family and I first went there on holiday back in 2012 and we fell in love with the place. As soon as the ferry leaves Ardrossan to cross over to Brodick, I feel all the stress and strains of every day life suddenly lift and it really is a tonic to visit there whatever time of year. The only downside is the worry about the ferries in bad weather and the problems that CalMac are having with the Arran ferries breaking down, etc. You should definitely go back and spend a few days there as the whole island is a real gem. You should try the Arran coastal trail!
I have been watching your channel for a bit and studying Scotrail to plan a 50 day rail through Scotland trip. Rather than trying to dash all over, I have focused on staying along scenic train lines and using Rail & Sail, so this is the exact trip I'll be making in June 2024 and I wonder, why did you not take the train from your home to Glasgow-Brodick? I think you should come film what it's like to travel trains through Scotland with a service dog and a bag of dog food for 50 days. 12 stops. Seriously. PM me, your channel is what convinced me to take some of these routes.
Catching up with some of your earlier travelogues and l was not disappointed. The island looked amazing and l am sure your video will entice future visitors.
Love Arran one if the best islands in Europe. Our friends live in Lochgilphead so we used to get the ferry from Skipness to Lochranza. On to Blackwater Foot. Brilliant places. Love it
Great video of Arran and showing everyone how beautiful it is. I love visiting Arran too and definitely recommend the Arran Coastal Way! So many beautiful walks on the island.
I should be doing this crossing myself next month so this is very useful in knowing what to expect (even if it probably will be a different vessel ). The rail & sail fares on this crossing have been removed. I'm not sure if they're back. I think it's been to do with the removal of MV Caledonian Isles . I know other crossings still have them .
So excited to see the title of this video, I almost fell off the sofa. Brent probably heard me yell when he was in the shower! Love Arran! We visited here in 2019 because some of my ancestors emigrated from there to New Brunswick, Canada. Left on a ship leaving from Lamlash Bay in 1829 I believe. We only had a day there so I am anxious to go back, aiming for September 2021. It is a wonderful place. Their history museum there is great but the ancestry research office there was closed on Monday, our visiting day. Not too crazy in early June when we visited but July and August must be very busy. Only got to see a snippet of the island and can't wait to go back. We drove around a bit but didn't have time to do the whole island. One day is certainly not enough. You definitely will have to return Steve and do some hiking - another great video that we'll be watching for! I told Brent I couldn't wait for tonight when he would be available to watch it so I dove right in! I shall be re-watching it tonight with him - Bonus!
Great video Steve although this is like going to Edinburgh only during a trip to Scotland. The whole island is stunning. We did a figure of 8 around the whole island, walked some of the beaches on the south coast, explored the castles and had lunch at Arran distillery in the day we were there and can not wait to go back and explore more.
We visited Arran about 25 years ago and really liked it and went back again. We also went across to Holy Island a couple miles by boat from Lamlash well worth a visit if you decide to go back to Arran for a longer stay. We really enjoyed watching your videos. All the best Beryl & Jean- Pierre
Hi Steve. Thank you for another wonderful journey. I know Arran well, your notion of doing the walk around the Island will definitely get my vote! I'm amazed at how Glasgow and Brodick have changed in the 20+ plus years since my last visit. Please thank Alicia [apologies for phonetic spelling] for her fascinating tour of her home town in Poland. Looking forward to your next trip. Cheers from Merseyside.
Thanks so much Andrew and absolutely I'll pass on your kind words to Alicja :) Interesting to hear how much the 2 places have changed, I know it's not always for the best, but Glasgow I feel is going through a bit of a renaissance just now, really enjoy trips there, we need to do a proper video from the city :) All the best!
Love your videos Steve. Your visit to Millport inspired me to take a trip there this month (Sept 24) and it was a fantastic trip. It’s changed a lot since your visit with the new sea defences. Arran is next. Take care in your travels 😊
Thanks for another great video! The Isle of Arran was beautiful! There you must go for a walk! Yes, not all dogs behaved there on the boat but that is unfortunately the case for us humans, we do not always behave well towards others ;) Wish you and your wife a glorious day and a great weekend when it comes! Stay Safe!
Been going to Arran three or four times a year for 40+ years. The “magical” wee building you referred to is the Bavarian summer house within Brodick Castle Gardens. The walking on Arran is immense. Go and enjoy.
Hi Steve,another cracking Vlog,You really are saving me a fortune in train and ferry charges.Arran sure is a beautiful placeYou are showing me and us a great many beautiful places in Scotland and places that you go to abroad .keep em coming laddie .
Outstanding Steve, I’m in Johnstone and Arran is a doddle for a quick visit. Fantastic train and ferry connections help of course. Mull and Iona are also a must, maybe at least one overnighter for that one though! Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the video. My forebears came from the Isle of Arran (before ending up in Australia in the mid 19th century) and that was the first time I'd seen images from the island. I've added it to my bucket list!
Mid 19th Century, Gold Rush? Or the last of the Convicts . My father’s family arrived at a similar time Just could not imagine any reason why anybody would want to come here back then. I am not being insulting. I just couldn’t imagine why people would even want to get on a ship back then.
Hi Steve. I've been following you for a while now and have never yet commented. I live in Glasgow and have also never been to Arran (yet)! This video has inspired me to make that change. I was not aware of the rail + sail ticket, so you've helped out there also. I always enjoy your vlogs and when I think of going somewhere, I check to see if you've covered it yet. Reliable and easy to follow content with lovely smiles from Alicja and your easy-going nature are just wonderful. Thank you
Hey Michael, thanks so much! And that's great to hear as my ambitions for the channel are to build up a good database of all places - will take some time and might never get there, but it's a fun journey. Really appreciate your comment and support, it's genuinely what keeps the channel going!
Yep Arran is a stunning place, the gardens at the castle are well worth a visit too, It's just amazing I've been to a place before Steve did 😅😅 Thanks again Steve
Great video Steve, I've been to Arran twice 1st time 40 years ago! (Damn I should have bought a house then!) Last time 19 years ago. Must be due my next trip! 😂 Take care and stay safe
Nice Steve. I love Glasgow on a sunny early morning. Glasgow does get dismissed but it’s got a lot too just spread out and no big castle on a rock. I keep trying to push Pollok park/House and its Burrell Art Gallery: really it is a hidden “Wow!” which I’ve filmed many times. I think post pandemic the tail-sail combo ticket no longer exists. It wasn’t a saver but convenient not to have queue at the CalMac ticket office. That Arran trip is one of my favourites, especially the grub on board. Steak pie or fish and chips for me!
Thanks for this video, the last time I visited Brodick was approx 26 years ago, for a couple of hours! It's given me the push to go and visit for longer, my heart is always on the Isle of Bute, but I always look over to Arran and the sleeping warrior and wonder what the rest of the Island is like. Would love to see a further video of Arran when you visit again.
We have been to Arran three times and even in " factory shutdown " fortnight which is end of July , beginning of August it wasn't overly crowded. We went up Goatfell from the Brodick side and there were a few people about but if you go into the hills from Glen Corrie or Glen Sannox you will hardly see anyone. That little stone harbour you stopped at was where we parked up and had some fish & chips looking over the bay back to Brodick...lovely spot for Grey Seal spotting as well. I highly recommend the Arran Whisky , beer & cheese as well 😋
What a lovely day trip! Thank you for taking us with you. I hope to see you back with Alicja and the van. I'm sure both will love it. Be well, stay safe, love from Texas.
Hi Steve really loving your videos particularly on my native Scotland 🏴 ( im originally from Glasgow now living in Worcester) Arran was stunning & the trip to Rothesay brought back so many holiday memories !!
Lovely vlog. Been on a day trip here. Our son and his wife spent a few days on Arran and were so taken by it that they called their first son Arran when he was born a few years later. He's Lovely too!
Hi Steve, thanks for your video. I live on Arran, and so lucky to be here. You must come back with your partner and explore all Arran has to offer. There are some amazing walks, hikes, and forest trails, not to mention secluded beaches and bays, ripe for exploration, peace, and solitude. Enjoy!
@@steve-marsh You wouldn’t like it today! Blowing a hoolie, sleet and snow! Yet I still went for a run up the hills! Was magnificent! I loved your video at Wemyss Bay btw, lovely! X
Just recently visited my sister in kilchenzie and took a trip to Arran. Such a beautiful place would love to go back sometime. Thank you for showing us travelling from Glasgow and what a bargain price 👍
I highly recommend Arran. I’ve been twice (and been up Goat Fell twice). I’ve also been about as sunburned as at any point in my life there. The roads were tacky from melting! Lovely place, though 👍🏴
An interesting and well put together video. I haven’t visited Arran for many years (40-45! 😉) although for some years I did visit it several times a year when my parents lived there, or rather on nearby Holy Isle - obviously that introduced a few more logistical problems. Mostly I travelled as you did by train to Ardrossan (unless winds diverted ferries to Wemyss Bay, once at Brodick I was either met, or took a taxi to Kings Cross (a few miles north of Whiting Bay) where the boat crossing to Holy Isle was made (on my father’s boat). On a few occasions I took a car on the ferry to Brodick and drove down to Kings Cross myself. I also visited Arran a couple of times on cruises around Scotland and the UK and of course on shore excursions did most of the ‘touristy’ things there too. It’s a lovely island (as is Holy Isle) when the weather is fine, less so when it’s windy, rainy or cold, it’s all a matter of luck 👍😉.
me and my family travel to Arran every year during summer for two weeks, to visit family who have lived on the island since forever! we drive up from London, but i love every bit of it knowing that i get to spend two weeks in such a lovely place
I enjoyed a week's stay here and did a lot of research got a cottage in Lamlash. I also went in an electric car. Brodick had Chargeplace Scotland on the front. Visited the two distillerys, Glen Rosa, machire moore, Kings caves , Goat fell is excellent I do the Lake District tops and this was as good as those. I think because Arran is lower down people don't rate it as much. Non Scots I mean who don't understand the area. You can do just as much here as going higher up like Skye. I really enjoyed my week's stay we took our dog on the ferry also. Ferry so cheap its inspired me to book a trip to Mull for August 2023. Looking forward to Staffa as with all these places it's all in the planning. Holy Island a big thing also it really does have a feel or a pirates Bay. A lot of people catching crabs on the front with buckets. My wife is Scottish originally from Kirkcaldy and it was her first Scottish Island I think we often take for granted what is on our doorstep.
When we were leaving harbour Steve you said you were going to " pipe down", aye that fair took me back to my Navy days when the OOW would Pipe down for lights out. Great vid as usual.......
grew up here on my holidays im from richmond london .. but sadly now it is just empty as people from all over have brought 2nd/3rd houses messing the island up and i guess putting money in the island to :( it used to be mainly just LOCALS then in the summer everyone flocked there which was ideal. need £££££ to live there. so lovely this video somehow brought tears to my eyes the memories.
@@steve-marsh i used to stay in the local painter Tony Rampton's house u may of seen his sheep statue or whatever its called people fish off of mum worked for the family untill wife/husband passed its familys like that wht kept the island going constantly donating to help it no doubt the kids sold the property amazing family/artist i must get back there sad thing is i cant afford to stay anywhere so if they have the house i will be emailing as ino tony n joan would want me to visit otherwise its a tent job :( instead of going to the shop a van used to come around the island every day at certain times kind of a tuck shop on wheels amazing memories as a kid the garden was on a slope/hill at the top had a ladder to endless fields what would lead to goat fell if u walked for over a hour jumping over streams and dodging ruins etc as a small child it was FREEDOM lol sorry for the essay.
Great video. Gone to Arran a few times a year for 30+ years now from Durham. Got family lives on the island and it's my favourite place ever. You will be back.......GUARANTEED
After watching too many videos about the craziness in the world, I can always count on Steve to remind of the beauty and kindness that's out there in abundance. Watching and listening to these videos is a sort of antidote -- a much appreciated therapy in these trying times.
Amen to that. I couldn't agree more.
Amen!
A tip for those heading from Edinburgh to Glasgow by train, especially if the final destination is Arran (something I did dozens of times from 2015 to 2022): instead of taking the faster train to Glasgow Queen St., catch the slower train that goes direct to Glasgow Central. It's a longer journey as it stops at all the smaller stations, but it's much quieter than the commuter route to Queen St. I like it because it gives me proper time to get a little work done with my laptop or do some reading, and it means there is then no need to trek between the two stations (not a long walk, but in summer with luggage, enough to get a bit melty).
What I did was catch the train one hour prior to that which would be the normal connection for the train to Ardrossan Harbour, thus giving a buffer in the event of train disruption, or if it's on time then one reaches the harbour an hour early, but that never bothers me, I just chill in the passenger lounge. Look out for the small number of wall power sockets dotted about the lounge behind the seats. At the back of the lounge, there's a socket to the rear right of the potted tree.
A couple of worthy points about the ferry journey. If booking in advance during winter then travel disruption due to bad weather, in either direction, is far more likely, so take this into account when planning, eg. book ferries a slot earlier than really necessary to give a disruption buffer. Also, compare the winter & summer timetables; the sailing times in summer which are not present during winter tend to be serviced by smaller ferries, so aim for the common sailings if you prefer the larger vessel with its better facilities (I normally catch the 1230 or 1520 sailing to Brodick). If I was taking a car, I would for sure try to book the sailings with the larger ferries.
And please beware that not all ferry sailings connect to bus services for the north island, ie. if you're heading for Corrie, Sannox, Lochranza, Pirnmill, etc. This is especially true for late sailings and during winter, so check times carefully if you need bus connections to reach a B&B, camp site or whatever. The south island has far more frequent buses which I believe always connect with a ferry. Thus, for example, if the 1800hrs sailing from Brodick is delayed or cancelled, but you're able to make it over on the next sailing, then to head north may require a taxi booking, unless of course you take a car over. If travelling by car, book well in advance; slots can fill up fast during high season.
Also note that on Arran, one can hail to get on a bus anywhere, not just at official bus stops (within reason), and if you're nice to the drivers & mention your destination B&B, hotel, footpath or whatever then most of them will be happy to stop at the exact spot. I've even seen a driver reverse 20 yards so an elderly lady could step off at her cottage gate. When I went over, the drivers would do this for me, unless there was traffic which would get in the way (in my case, the house was just before a river crossing).
Concerning summer travel: the buses can be extremely busy indeed; extra buses are put on during some days, especially for special event days or weekends such as the Brodick Highland Games in August (the busiest day of the year, it can get kinda crazy at the ferry terminal). Thus, if you're in Brodick and want to catch a bus north (typically the 323 or 324), then do so from the pier terminus, because if you alight from a stop further into Brodick then it's likely by then it'll be standing room only, usually because of the hordes coming off the ferry. Indeed, when I travel to Arran, I always make sure I'm the first in line to exit the ferry so that I have the best chance of getting a seat on the bus, which for me was the 324 to Sannox. In the winter though this is rarely an issue.
Steve, if you return to Arran, I recommend if possible doing so sometime during March to mid-April, before the Spring weather really kicks off. Ideally, aim for when there's still snow on the mountains and upper hills, clear skies, sunny day, a light wind. Use Ventuksy to monitor weather trends. It'll be chilly (especially in a stronger wind), but there will be few tourists, no bugs or midgies (the best!), and all the bracken & ferns will still be sparse on the slopes from the winter die-back, so the views are much better, the going far easier for walks. I climbed Caisteal Abhail in Mar/2022 in such weather (2nd highest peak on Arran, just to the west of Sannox), it was perfect, more of a challenge too as there's no proper path for the final ascent (I ascended from the north side, then south back down into Glen Sannox Valley, then eastwards back to Sannox village, with a stop at the cemetery), I can post a video link if desired.
Even the approach from the north via the North Glen Sannox footpath is on its own though a very worthy walk, especially if timed for early morning at such a time of year, catch the sun breaking through mist and fog on the trail between the trees. I took some pics but they don't do the scene justice. The year before in mid April I climbed to the Devil's Punch Bowl in Sannox, and this year if possible I want to climb the peak to the west of Goatfell (already done Goatfell many times), Beinn Tarsuinn. Arran is awash with wonderful walks and climbs, but Goatfell gets most of the attention, the climb perhaps now too easy with a well laid out path. Personally, I'm not so keen on doing such ventures in summer, the midgies can be infuriating if they're bad on the day, and the bracken & ferns grown so high makes it difficult to see the ground one is treading on, spoiling many views aswell. Atop Caisteal Abhail though in March, with sandwiches and a thermos of still hot Earl Grey, totally awesome.
I could write more about bus & foot travel on Arran, but this will do for an off the top of my head starter.
I'll end with my favourite exchange I heard on a 324 bus at Brodick pier, by a tourist lady who'd come off the ferry:
Tourist: "How much is a ticket?"
Driver: "Depends where you're going, love!"
I grew up in Edinburgh, now living in Las Vegas. I bring my kids back to Arran as much a possible they love it just as much as I did when I was kid. We used to holiday there every year.
It's the most amazing island I've ever been on and even now so consider retiring there. My island. My favorite place in the world.
This i've just added to my bucketlist of trips and one that is very doable from France where i live😂
In 1992 My wife and I stayed in that magnificent railway hotel at Glasgow station. It was a great hotel back then.
Wonderful as always Steve. You have done so much for Scottish tourism in my eyes. When I am back in the UK my girlfriend and I are Scotland bound and I will be going to many of the places you have presented on RUclips. Thanks again Steve for another worthy addition to your ventures. Cheers.
Cheers Ric! Really appreciate it :) And let me know when you guys head over!
Hey guys make sure you check out Mount Stuart House and Gardens in Rothesay, it's stunning 😍
The UK is so civilized being able to take your dogs up with you. In B. C. ferries they are left on leash on car deck! Cold and nasty if you have to stay with them on a 4 hour trip. Loved your very intriguing Arran Island. Fabulous video please come back with Alejca and show us more! 🇨🇦
This is one of the reasons why I love going over to Arran on the ferry. It’s a perfect holiday to take our dog. We first went to Arran when my dog was a 6 month old puppy and there is plenty of space out on deck or in the designated dog area Steve shows on the video. Arran is a very dog friendly island. Hoping to go back over next March for a long weekend.
Same in most places in Australia!
Totally agree re Glasgow. My favourite city in the UK.
That’s good to hear! I live nearin Glasgow but was born in and grew up 11 miles from Edinburgh. I love both but run of camera memory rapidly in the latter!
Thank you very much Steve. Long time ago I lived in Arran. My daughter born there and your video rekindled many fond memories. Five star video.
Its really great to see that someone is promoting the Scottish travel scene, a bit of comedy and a bit of fact, and I take my hat of to you Steve as you make it that bit more interesting, well done sir.
Nowhere else in the world is there scenery and quiet spaces such as Scotland. Miss the place. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to return. Steve, thank you so much for these videos.
We used to go from hame in Falkirk to Machrie and Blackwaterfoot from the late '40's to early '60's...Train to Queen St to St ENOCH'S to Ardrossan or Fairlie....Non corridor hauled by 2-6-4 tanks. In the early days I remember the 2 Funnelled GLEN SANNOX...Cars were driven over big planks from jetty to ship [ no way in these hyper safety days...The old Bedford bus would take us over the String Road to the West Coast...On the return bus trip it was normal for 3 or 4 calves in hessian sacks in the back of the bus.....Many happy teenage memories
The beautiful Isle of Ah Rain !
Haha not today though :)
The standing joke “If you can’t see Arran from the mainland it’s raining there. If you can see it clearly it’s a sign of rain😂”
I am so impressed by how beautifully the trains, boats, buses, and ferries are maintained.
Hmm...Caledonian macbrayne...well maintained...?...hmm...
First Glasgow too.
Just 17 quid? Wow! I'm having some of that Steve! 😅 We love Glasgow by the way. It's a fab city and we usually stay at the Premier Inn Pacific Quay with its fab views across the river to the Hydro and the Clydeport crane. It's a lovely walk along the river into the city centre too or a short walk to up and coming Finnieston, the Kelvingrove park\museum and the west end. The Ferry crossing to Arran looked stunning as is that beautiful island itself. Thanks for yet another heads up on an a wonderful part of Scotland.
Thanks for the heads up on where best to stay in Glasgow City
@@TriciaBute no bother Tricia. If you do stay at the Premier Inn Pacific Quay, contact the hotel a week or two before your arrival and ask for a river view room. They always oblige. It has a nice terrace overlooking the river outside the bar area too. The Crowne Plaza & Radisson Red hotels are on the opposite side of the river next to the SECC\Hydro are lovely hotels too, albeit more expensive. If the weather is bad, an Uber into the city centre is about £7 or £8.
That's a great part of town to stay in and like you say the views are amazing on that stretch of the Clyde. Cheers Davey! :)
People really do make Glasgow. I make it over every few years for the pipe band championships, last time was in 2017 when that Tim Hortons opened and I picked up a Tim Hortons Glasgow mug. I'm originally from Kent in the south east but now live in Hamilton, Ontario where Tims started.
Loved the video Steve and especially love Scotland. It's an amazing country and somewhere I always visit when I'm back visiting friends and family down south.
in the past you thought arran was just for tourists. now you're a tourist! you're one of us now!!
Having stayed on the Island during the summer many times over the years, it was wonderful to see it again.Arran remains my most favourite place on earth 💙
Great video once again, Steve! Arran is now higher on my bucketlist of places to visit. I had no idea it was that easy to reach from Glasgow, considering it takes ages with the train to reach other places in the region.
So true mate, can't wait to try all the other similar routes now too!
Arran, love to cycle it - usually a Saturday morning ferry over, then the 5pm back. Of course, making time for the chippy just at the pier as it's excellent. Do like the fact you're highlighting all these really accessible trips, and affordable too! £17 is just such value. For a day out .... how can you not include this as a destination.
My wife used to prefer Edinburgh until I showed her the delights of Glasgow and now it’s her favourite city to visit, she just loves the peoples palace the walks, the parks, you get the picture, I worked a lot in Glasgow and the surrounding area and the Glaswegians helped me to find out a lot about their city, plus I’m old enough to remember the boat from Belfast to adrossan and the boat to Glasgow from Derry/ Londonderry, can’t believe you walked past whetherspoons in George square
What a nice day trip.
Absolutely tickles me pink, every time, to go to a rail station and buy a ticket to an island!
Ahhh totally agree! Shelagh!!! :)
Thanks for taking us on your journey Steve. You never fail to disappoint. Fantastic scenery shots. ⛴🪝
Thanks so much Poppy! Really got lucky with the weather for this one :)
A tonic for the eyes - and the soul ! - A marvellous day trip expertly filmed and described - you make it look so easy - but I would imagine its not. Excellent !
Thanks so much John! And for appreciating how tiring it is to film these trips, but always a pleasure!
Lived on the Isle of Arran and worked for Cal Mac in 86.
Great company!
Love Scotland, the Scots, the accent, the pipes.
Great people,great memories !
Thanks for your videos!
Sailed past there many times in late fifties, never got ashore, only Ardrossan. Stunning scenery! Cheers from Australia.
So glad to bring you a coastline you recognise well!
I don't think I've watched one of your videos yet where you haven't said you're going back, which is great news as you are frequently on quite a tight turn around & would love to see more. After a week in my sick bed I can honestly say I've enjoyed my week in Scotland ;) Love your videos keep it up!
Tim Hortons is just the best. Love your channel Steve. 👍👍
When you talked about the Cal Mac and cheese, i thought to myself if steve ends up in the restaurant, it will be fish and chips he'll be eating !
That was brilliant..you were down my neck of the woods in this one..you would've passed glengarnock station,thats the one i get off at if i am ever in glasgow..i go to saltcoats all the time with my wee mum for our shopping days as we love it..if i ever won the lottery i would buy a wee house in arran..its my fave place..ive been a few times & fell in love with it..been all round the island & you cant put into words how beautiful it is..hope to get a few days over nxt summer..this made me smile..just brilliant..😁😁
Cheers Karen! Merry Christmas to you :)
Glad to see you repping Timmies for us Canadians! Lovely trip and video! Thanks 😊
How has it taken so long for me to find this Steve? Great video. Arran is such a stunningly beautiful place and it is a great pity that so many Scots haven't found it yet - it is so easy and inexpensive to get to and so maybe this film will help them ! My family spent nearly all of our annual holidays in the 1950s at Lamlash and as it was home to my ancestors on my father's side it still holds a very special place in my heart.
17 quid 😲 enough to bring a smile to a Scotsman 😁, Something to be said about visiting these wonderful places off peak & enjoying the solitude. Great video 👍
Glad you enjoyed it and SO true - I should rename my channel 'Off-Peak Travels' :)
"Scotland in miniature" as it's known. You must have almost been at the Cladach centre where the path up Goat Fell begins. It's a great walk on a nice summer's day as the views from the summit are fantastic.
Cheers Charlie! Can't wait to give that hill a crack on a clear day :)
Didn’t know you can do this. As a South African I am just never think of public transport and hire a car for my trips to Scotland. Thanks for the wonderful video.
Thanks so much Andrew! Aye, there are some great public transport connections around Scotland, but sometimes they are hidden away and need a bit of research, happy to help! All the best!
Hi Steve, as someone who has thoroughly enjoyed your videos over the last year or so and loves Arran, I’m delighted you made it over and got such a positive first impression. There really is a lot to do and from seeing what you enjoy I’d certainly recommend a trip with the van - Glen Rosa, Glenashdale Falls/Giant’s Graves, Goat Fell and Brodick Castle Gardens would be wonderful places to explore, to name just a few. Thanks for posting this - it’s cheered me up after a long day.
So glad to hear it Stewart! And thanks so much :) I need you to give me a tour!!!
Had the privilege of working on Arran 5 days a week back in 2019, literally next to the bank in your video! The commute back to Fife was definitely the best part. Caley Isles is a cracking ship! Arran is definitely one of, if not the most beautiful islands definitely earns its nick name as a mini Scotland. Walked that walkway and beach to the castle many a time, have to say though the gardens are nicer than the castle. Definitely go back over if you can, it so much to see!
Wow a nice job you had there Bryan! Can't wait to go back and explore properly!
What a great value journey for £17 return. I’ve always wanted to visit Arran. Thanks for this great video, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks Alasdair! It really is a bargain and so efficient :)
What a beautiful island Arran looks to be. My daughter travelled to Arran for the wedding of one of her friends, and loved the island. I think I should add it to the tally of Scottish islands I've visited or (in the case of Shetland) lived on. Great video, as always.
Thanks so much Barney!
Thank you, Steve. You are always making great videos. This one is no exception. I enjoy watching it.
Arran is my favourite place in the whole world. My family and I first went there on holiday back in 2012 and we fell in love with the place. As soon as the ferry leaves Ardrossan to cross over to Brodick, I feel all the stress and strains of every day life suddenly lift and it really is a tonic to visit there whatever time of year. The only downside is the worry about the ferries in bad weather and the problems that CalMac are having with the Arran ferries breaking down, etc. You should definitely go back and spend a few days there as the whole island is a real gem. You should try the Arran coastal trail!
I have been watching your channel for a bit and studying Scotrail to plan a 50 day rail through Scotland trip. Rather than trying to dash all over, I have focused on staying along scenic train lines and using Rail & Sail, so this is the exact trip I'll be making in June 2024 and I wonder, why did you not take the train from your home to Glasgow-Brodick?
I think you should come film what it's like to travel trains through Scotland with a service dog and a bag of dog food for 50 days. 12 stops. Seriously. PM me, your channel is what convinced me to take some of these routes.
Yet another great video Mr. Marsh. Please keep them coming, I always learn something new when watching your adventures. Arran is my bucket list now !
Thanks so much!
What a beautiful island! Thanks for taking us along Steve.
Glad you enjoyed it :)
I stayed in Arran for a few years. Miss the place so much. 💔
Catching up with some of your earlier travelogues and l was not disappointed. The island looked amazing and l am sure your video will entice future visitors.
Love Arran one if the best islands in Europe. Our friends live in Lochgilphead so we used to get the ferry from Skipness to Lochranza. On to Blackwater Foot. Brilliant places. Love it
Great video of Arran and showing everyone how beautiful it is. I love visiting Arran too and definitely recommend the Arran Coastal Way! So many beautiful walks on the island.
Thanks! Really need to spend more time there though!
I should be doing this crossing myself next month so this is very useful in knowing what to expect (even if it probably will be a different vessel ). The rail & sail fares on this crossing have been removed. I'm not sure if they're back. I think it's been to do with the removal of MV Caledonian Isles . I know other crossings still have them .
So excited to see the title of this video, I almost fell off the sofa. Brent probably heard me yell when he was in the shower! Love Arran! We visited here in 2019 because some of my ancestors emigrated from there to New Brunswick, Canada. Left on a ship leaving from Lamlash Bay in 1829 I believe. We only had a day there so I am anxious to go back, aiming for September 2021. It is a wonderful place. Their history museum there is great but the ancestry research office there was closed on Monday, our visiting day. Not too crazy in early June when we visited but July and August must be very busy. Only got to see a snippet of the island and can't wait to go back. We drove around a bit but didn't have time to do the whole island. One day is certainly not enough. You definitely will have to return Steve and do some hiking - another great video that we'll be watching for! I told Brent I couldn't wait for tonight when he would be available to watch it so I dove right in! I shall be re-watching it tonight with him - Bonus!
Thanks so much for revisiting with me both! You have given me all the motivation in the world to head back and give it a proper go :)
Great video Steve although this is like going to Edinburgh only during a trip to Scotland. The whole island is stunning. We did a figure of 8 around the whole island, walked some of the beaches on the south coast, explored the castles and had lunch at Arran distillery in the day we were there and can not wait to go back and explore more.
Sounds wonderful! Yeah, it's always unfortunate having to fit these wee trips in around work, I wish RUclips WAS the work :)
We visited Arran about 25 years ago and really liked it and went back again. We also went across to Holy Island a couple miles by boat from Lamlash well worth a visit if you decide to go back to Arran for a longer stay. We really enjoyed watching your videos. All the best Beryl & Jean- Pierre
Wonderful trip - so scenic! Love the CM ferry journeys - they always seem to arrive somewhere magical!
Great video Steve. I was brought up on Arran and still visit regularly. Best island in Scotland
Glad you enjoyed it, and I'm very jealous of your upbringing!
Wonderful job as always Steve ! Showcasing the best of Scotland that I've yet to see 👍🏻😎
Thanks so much Matthew! Scotland is always the star of the show :)
This took me back I found my grandfather came from there and I went over to see it with my two brothers who sadly are no longer here
Hi Steve. Thank you for another wonderful journey. I know Arran well, your notion of doing the walk around the Island will definitely get my vote! I'm amazed at how Glasgow and Brodick have changed in the 20+ plus years since my last visit. Please thank Alicia [apologies for phonetic spelling] for her fascinating tour of her home town in Poland. Looking forward to your next trip. Cheers from Merseyside.
Thanks so much Andrew and absolutely I'll pass on your kind words to Alicja :) Interesting to hear how much the 2 places have changed, I know it's not always for the best, but Glasgow I feel is going through a bit of a renaissance just now, really enjoy trips there, we need to do a proper video from the city :) All the best!
Love your videos Steve. Your visit to Millport inspired me to take a trip there this month (Sept 24) and it was a fantastic trip. It’s changed a lot since your visit with the new sea defences. Arran is next. Take care in your travels 😊
Thanks for another great video! The Isle of Arran was beautiful! There you must go for a walk! Yes, not all dogs behaved there on the boat but that is unfortunately the case for us humans, we do not always behave well towards others ;) Wish you and your wife a glorious day and a great weekend when it comes! Stay Safe!
Thanks so much!!! You too! Although right now it's so windy I'm scared to go out!
Been going to Arran three or four times a year for 40+ years. The “magical” wee building you referred to is the Bavarian summer house within Brodick Castle Gardens. The walking on Arran is immense. Go and enjoy.
Wow Liz, I need you to give me a tour next time :)
@@steve-marsh you’re on.
watching you walk around Glasgow makes me nostalgic for my fifteen months living there; even seeing the blue lagoon chippy!
Thank you @SteveMarsh, you made me yearning about a trip to Scotland...
I was once travelling by train from Penrith to Glasgow and recall seeing the Clyde as a narrow wee river.
Great day trip with some stunning scenery. Definitely putting that on my “must do list”. 😀
Cheers Roger, you'd love it! And I'd love to see your video/impressions of Arran and the trip there!
Hi Steve,another cracking Vlog,You really are saving me a fortune in train
and ferry charges.Arran sure is a beautiful placeYou are showing me and us a great many beautiful places
in Scotland and places that you go to abroad .keep em coming laddie .
Outstanding Steve, I’m in Johnstone and Arran is a doddle for a quick visit.
Fantastic train and ferry connections help of course.
Mull and Iona are also a must, maybe at least one overnighter for that one though!
Keep up the great work.
I'm so jealous - we need to relocate there!
Great.Thank you for sharing.Definitely worth a second, longer trip.
Absolutely mate! Cheers! :)
Another brilliant video Steve.It's a trip worth putting on my bucket list. I also like your choice of Music mate, Well done.
Thanks for the video. My forebears came from the Isle of Arran (before ending up in Australia in the mid 19th century) and that was the first time I'd seen images from the island. I've added it to my bucket list!
Oh Adrian, you really must go there someday :) Wonderful place! Thanks for coming along :)
Mid 19th Century, Gold Rush? Or the last of the Convicts . My father’s family arrived at a similar time Just could not imagine any reason why anybody would want to come here back then. I am not being insulting. I just couldn’t imagine why people would even want to get on a ship back then.
@@beagle7622 gold rush
Hi Steve. I've been following you for a while now and have never yet commented. I live in Glasgow and have also never been to Arran (yet)! This video has inspired me to make that change. I was not aware of the rail + sail ticket, so you've helped out there also. I always enjoy your vlogs and when I think of going somewhere, I check to see if you've covered it yet. Reliable and easy to follow content with lovely smiles from Alicja and your easy-going nature are just wonderful. Thank you
Hey Michael, thanks so much! And that's great to hear as my ambitions for the channel are to build up a good database of all places - will take some time and might never get there, but it's a fun journey. Really appreciate your comment and support, it's genuinely what keeps the channel going!
Yes, do please go back and show us more :) It really does look so lovely.
You got it! :)
Yep Arran is a stunning place, the gardens at the castle are well worth a visit too,
It's just amazing I've been to a place before Steve did 😅😅
Thanks again Steve
Haha there will be a lot more places as well!
Great video Steve, I've been to Arran twice 1st time 40 years ago! (Damn I should have bought a house then!) Last time 19 years ago. Must be due my next trip! 😂 Take care and stay safe
Haha so true mate! Imagine what it'd be worth now!
Cheers Steve for another great video. It's fantastic to see all these great places even if we never get to go there ourselves. You're a good man.
Thanks so much! :)
What a great day out at a beautiful place, Steve.
Nice Steve. I love Glasgow on a sunny early morning. Glasgow does get dismissed but it’s got a lot too just spread out and no big castle on a rock. I keep trying to push Pollok park/House and its Burrell Art Gallery: really it is a hidden “Wow!” which I’ve filmed many times. I think post pandemic the tail-sail combo ticket no longer exists. It wasn’t a saver but convenient not to have queue at the CalMac ticket office. That Arran trip is one of my favourites, especially the grub on board. Steak pie or fish and chips for me!
Thank you for sharing this video!!!! It made my travel plan a lot easier now
Thanks for this video, the last time I visited Brodick was approx 26 years ago, for a couple of hours! It's given me the push to go and visit for longer, my heart is always on the Isle of Bute, but I always look over to Arran and the sleeping warrior and wonder what the rest of the Island is like. Would love to see a further video of Arran when you visit again.
Thanks for coming along Tricia! Recommend a visit to Bute? (I know what the answer will be) :) another island missing from my adventures!
Great; simply great video.
Amusing that the common place in one country (Canada) becomes the exotic in another (Scotland) - Tim Hortons.
Thanks so much! And oh yes, Timmy's is very exotic over here! Every sip of original blend brings back fabulous Canada memories :)
Another great video. I am envious of your days off and I love that country. Thanks.
We have been to Arran three times and even in " factory shutdown " fortnight which is end of July , beginning of August it wasn't overly crowded. We went up Goatfell from the Brodick side and there were a few people about but if you go into the hills from Glen Corrie or Glen Sannox you will hardly see anyone. That little stone harbour you stopped at was where we parked up and had some fish & chips looking over the bay back to Brodick...lovely spot for Grey Seal spotting as well. I highly recommend the Arran Whisky , beer & cheese as well 😋
What a lovely day trip! Thank you for taking us with you. I hope to see you back with Alicja and the van. I'm sure both will love it. Be well, stay safe, love from Texas.
Aww thanks Kate! Aw the best to you too! :)
Thanks Steve! Good traveling with you.
Cheers Marty!
Hi Steve really loving your videos particularly on my native Scotland 🏴 ( im originally from Glasgow now living in Worcester) Arran was stunning & the trip to Rothesay brought back so many holiday memories !!
A few on my bucket list. Arran, Harris and Lewis.
Another classic, Steve. Thanks for taking us along.
Cheers Starman! :)
Lovely vlog. Been on a day trip here. Our son and his wife spent a few days on Arran and were so taken by it that they called their first son Arran when he was born a few years later. He's Lovely too!
Oh wow! There's a beautiful tribute to the island :)
Hi Steve, thanks for your video. I live on Arran, and so lucky to be here. You must come back with your partner and explore all Arran has to offer. There are some amazing walks, hikes, and forest trails, not to mention secluded beaches and bays, ripe for exploration, peace, and solitude. Enjoy!
I agree with Nix Steve, haste ye back. Arran has a lot to offer. Scotland in miniature.
@@ianaddie7779 My home, my sanctuary, my peace with you x
Thanks so much can't wait to come back and explore properly!
@@steve-marsh You wouldn’t like it today! Blowing a hoolie, sleet and snow! Yet I still went for a run up the hills! Was magnificent! I loved your video at Wemyss Bay btw, lovely! X
Cracking video mate. This is on my to do list. Will probably get it done this month. Love a boat ride.
Just recently visited my sister in kilchenzie and took a trip to Arran.
Such a beautiful place would love to go back sometime.
Thank you for showing us travelling from Glasgow and what a bargain price 👍
Thanks Lynn!
I highly recommend Arran. I’ve been twice (and been up Goat Fell twice). I’ve also been about as sunburned as at any point in my life there. The roads were tacky from melting! Lovely place, though 👍🏴
Thank you for this video. I love Scotland but have never been to Arran, look forward to hiking there when the weather is a bit warmer.
An interesting and well put together video. I haven’t visited Arran for many years (40-45! 😉) although for some years I did visit it several times a year when my parents lived there, or rather on nearby Holy Isle - obviously that introduced a few more logistical problems. Mostly I travelled as you did by train to Ardrossan (unless winds diverted ferries to Wemyss Bay, once at Brodick I was either met, or took a taxi to Kings Cross (a few miles north of Whiting Bay) where the boat crossing to Holy Isle was made (on my father’s boat). On a few occasions I took a car on the ferry to Brodick and drove down to Kings Cross myself. I also visited Arran a couple of times on cruises around Scotland and the UK and of course on shore excursions did most of the ‘touristy’ things there too. It’s a lovely island (as is Holy Isle) when the weather is fine, less so when it’s windy, rainy or cold, it’s all a matter of luck 👍😉.
Thanks so much for the comment Bill, super interesting to read! All the best to you :)
Thanks to you both for all the joy you bring to us ,looking forward to your next adventure.✈️🛫💺🌠
Cheers Sean, hoping we can make one together next time :)
me and my family travel to Arran every year during summer for two weeks, to visit family who have lived on the island since forever! we drive up from London, but i love every bit of it knowing that i get to spend two weeks in such a lovely place
Ahhh I'm so jealous! Two weeks sounds like heaven on that island!
I had no idea that Arran was that beautiful. I remember you could get to the Isle of Mam from Ardrossan years back.
I enjoyed a week's stay here and did a lot of research got a cottage in Lamlash. I also went in an electric car. Brodick had Chargeplace Scotland on the front. Visited the two distillerys, Glen Rosa, machire moore, Kings caves , Goat fell is excellent I do the Lake District tops and this was as good as those. I think because Arran is lower down people don't rate it as much. Non Scots I mean who don't understand the area. You can do just as much here as going higher up like Skye. I really enjoyed my week's stay we took our dog on the ferry also. Ferry so cheap its inspired me to book a trip to Mull for August 2023. Looking forward to Staffa as with all these places it's all in the planning. Holy Island a big thing also it really does have a feel or a pirates Bay. A lot of people catching crabs on the front with buckets. My wife is Scottish originally from Kirkcaldy and it was her first Scottish Island I think we often take for granted what is on our doorstep.
When we were leaving harbour Steve you said you were going to " pipe down", aye that fair took me back to my Navy days when the OOW would Pipe down for lights out. Great vid as usual.......
Cheers Tom! And thanks for spotting the phrase - I've been told to pipe down a few times :)
"Pipe down" was a phrase my ex-navy dad would say if us kids were getting a bit noisy.
grew up here on my holidays im from richmond london .. but sadly now it is just empty as people from all over have brought 2nd/3rd houses messing the island up and i guess putting money in the island to :( it used to be mainly just LOCALS then in the summer everyone flocked there which was ideal. need £££££ to live there. so lovely this video somehow brought tears to my eyes the memories.
You make a very good and true point there!
@@steve-marsh i used to stay in the local painter Tony Rampton's house u may of seen his sheep statue or whatever its called people fish off of mum worked for the family untill wife/husband passed its familys like that wht kept the island going constantly donating to help it no doubt the kids sold the property amazing family/artist i must get back there sad thing is i cant afford to stay anywhere so if they have the house i will be emailing as ino tony n joan would want me to visit otherwise its a tent job :( instead of going to the shop a van used to come around the island every day at certain times kind of a tuck shop on wheels amazing memories as a kid the garden was on a slope/hill at the top had a ladder to endless fields what would lead to goat fell if u walked for over a hour jumping over streams and dodging ruins etc as a small child it was FREEDOM lol sorry for the essay.
Great video. Gone to Arran a few times a year for 30+ years now from Durham. Got family lives on the island and it's my favourite place ever. You will be back.......GUARANTEED
So glad I've finally found it!!!! Cheers :)