Exploring the Clyde Islands of Scotland

Exploring the Clyde Islands of Scotland

The islands of Scotland can whisk you off to a special place. Somewhere you can truly appreciate what you have, where you are and where you have been. Take a moment to reflect, to absorb, to explore and gain some inner peace. 

What makes these Islands so special?
These two island perfectly complement each other with Arran being quite mountainous whereas Bute is relatively low lying and flat. Bute is host to an array of freshwater lochs whereas Arran has a scarce few. These islands have a lovely array of botanicals and animals. Here you will find red deer, red squirrels, badgers, otters, adders and the common lizard on the mainland. Off the shore you may manage to spot basking sharks and various species of dolphins. Up in the air you may be able to spot as many as 200 different species of birds including the peregrine falcon and the golden eagle. If you delve into nature further you will be interested to know that Arran is home to rare species of trees. The Arran Whitebeams trees are amongst the most endangered In the world. 

Where to Visit On Arran? 
Although a relatively small island this does not mean it has little to give or to see. If the outdoors is what you like then you will utterly fall in love with this island. There are towering hills to climb, fairways to play golf, forest trails to walk or cycle upon, plenty of places to eat and drink with locally produced food and drink.
•    Brodick Castle and grounds offers both history and utter beauty at its finest. Situated on the east coast of the island where you will catch a glimpse of lots of wildlife, formal gardens immaculately maintained, stunning waterfalls and an adventure playground to keep the children or the young at heart entertained for a wonderful day out. 

•    Take a challenge to the highest point Goat Fell sits at 874m above sea level. Giving you a panoramic view of the island, a haven for keen walkers and photographers. This point is prominent in the skyline so why not take yourself up here (if you are fit enough , please ensure you are away of the challenges you may face first) and tick this from your bucket list. Please remember and leave only your footprints as a memory to enure this site remains preserved as it should be. 
 
•    Supporting the local businesses doesn’t get much better than stopping in at the Isle of Arran Distillery, the only distillery on the island and dating back to the 1800s , you are guaranteed to get a decent dram and lots of history from over the years. 

•    Take a step to Neolithic times at the Machrie Moor standing stones. There may only be around 6 stones still standing but this is a wonderful place to visit in the passing and appreciate the workmanship and labour involved in creating this circle dating back to 3500bc. 
 
•    Take a hit at the Lochranza golf course situated on the north coast of the island where you can enjoy a 9 or 18 hole game taking with you the whole family. 
•    If its adrenaline your after stop in at the Outdoor centre where you can take your pick from several activities including, sailing, hill walking, abseiling, climbing, mountain biking and gorge walking. 
•    Take a short trip over to the Holy Isle where you will be able to step into a place of wellbeing and peace. Located here you can book a retreat as they have a centre for world peace and health. 

What is there to do on Bute? 
Just a short ferry trip over the water, Bute has so much to offer from Castles to some of the very finest Victorian toilets! This island is heaven for walkers, cyclists, fishers and of course nature lovers as they have an abundance of wildlife and beaches. 
•    Mount Stuart is a stunning example of architecture being one of the most impressive Neo-Gothic mansions in the world. Inside this mansion there are astrological renderings suspended from the ceilings, marbled chapel, astounding art, mysticism and religion is enthralled throughout. Stella McCartney was married within the marble clad chapel back in 2003. 

•    Victorian Gardens at Ascog hall. They are any green fingered visitors bread and butter. Host to a fern over 1000years old you will be able to explore the colours, textures, smell and beauty of a well maintained sanctuary. 
•    Take your eyes to the shoreline and see if you can spot the seal colonies off the beach at Scalpsie Bay, over 200 are known to reside here so its quite a rare sight to be able to say you’ve seen. Stepping back onto dry land the island itself has a huge number of wild hare, deer and goats. 
•    If fishing is more you cup of tea stop in at Loch Fad. Here you are likely to catch either trout or pike being a freshwater loch. Simply hire your boat and enjoy you day on the water. 

•    The seaweed shop is perhaps more unusual however it’s a huge part of the island of Bute. Research the benefits that can come of the seaweed spa and stock up the finest of seaweed there is to have. This was started by Iain Mckellar who harvested and sells seaweed to Michelin starred restaurants, skincare lines, spas and health food enthusiasts. 

These lists are just a few ideas of fantastic places to visit on these wonderful islands. There are so many more to be explored and they are just waiting for you. Here at Scottish Tourer we are here to welcome you on your trip to the Islands and are happy to not only share our own experiences but also help with any travel routes or advice you may need prior to departure. Take a trip off the mainland but avoid those long flights, prolonged waits at airports and waiting for luggage. Let us help make your next holiday, relaxing, enjoyable and most importantly memorable for all the right reasons.