Lochranza is a typical picture-postcard village set on the northern tip of Arran, overlooked on several sides by hills where you'll see lots of red deer. The village and the picturesque ruins of a bold 13
th century castle, surround the bay. It is said that Robert the Bruce stayed here in 1306 to claim the Scottish throne before beginning his struggle for independence. The village is near to safe bathing areas and suitable for shore and boat fishing.
There is a seasonal ferry service to Mull of Kintyre and several places to eat and stay in the village. Another must see here is the Isle of Arran Distillery in Lochranza, the first legal distillery on the island for 150 years. A few miles up the road from Lochranza is the village of Catacol, home of the Twelve Apostles, a row of identical white cottages sitting on the seafront. Catacol Bay, just west from the village, is a quiet pebble beach that runs along the entire shoreline. From here you can walk inland to Loch Tanna. From Pirnmill to Machrie the coastline along the west of Arran is very peaceful with only a few small hamlets to stumble on.
This is the sunset strip of Arran and enchanting summer evenings can be spent on the beaches watching the world go by as the sunsets.
Caledonian MacBrayne Hebridean & Clyde Ferries: Arran – Details of all the islands Caledonian MacBrayne serve running from Lochranza & Ardrossan
