Landscapes of the isle of Arran

Coastal view and mountain tops

Arran’s stunning landscapes are the result of the amazing geological features that shaped the island 500million years ago. The most well known of these is the Highland Fault line, which has formed the fabulous peaks of the north Arran range, and the undulating pastures of the south island.

Nature has done the rest, offering a spectacular colour palette throughout the seasons, that has inspired many artists. As a result of the warm Gulf Stream you can see palm trees, even in the winter when there’s snow on the mountains. Arran offers great opportunities for every amateur photographer to capture amazing landscapes.

The coastline is a variety of rocky outcrops (perfect for rockpooling) and beautiful sandy beaches to picnic on and while away your Arran-time admiring the beauty of nature. Nothing lifts your spirits like a wander along a beach – and on Arran we have lovely long soft sands and waters warmed by the Gulf Stream, lapping at your feet. Vast pink and silver stretches of sand offer opportunity to build castles, go crabbing, or take that long awaited swim allowing you to switch off and your body to float on the warm waters around the island. Bring your cossie, your bucket and spade, inhale the fresh sea air and just go for it!

For beautiful sands look no further than beaches at Strabane, Sannox, Pirnmill, Blackwaterfoot, Kilmory, or Kildonan (Silver Sands as it’s known). Cleats Shore is Arran’s only official naturist beach, though it’s not compulsory to be naked… Many of the beaches may not have facilities, so remember #RespectProtectEnjoy – if you bring it with you, please take it away and leave only footprints in the sand!

Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark

So what's a Geopark?

Well, Arran's stunning geology has created the most amazing place for people to live, for thousands of years, as can be evidenced by the standing stones, chambered cairns, and loads of other pre-history! It's also created a kind of microclimate, which is probably why our produce is so good and why we have an abundance of flora and fauna on Arran.

This intrinsically linked blend of geology, archaeology, people, food, drink and nature, that go to make Arranology - which is why we're applying to be a UNESCO recognised Geopark! Visit one of the Geopark hubs at at Lochranza Centre, Arran Heritage Museum, or at the NTS Ranger Station. You can also listen and join in VisitArran's Geopark Trail on the Geotourist app.

Want to know more?

Read our detailed toolkit to give you more info and learn how to get engaged with our aspiring Geopark >

Quirky Island Fact

#4 - A white deer on Arran usually means the death of a member of the Hamilton dynasty

Arran’s white deer are quite unique. They’re not albino, but are actually red deer that are white. Deer roam all over Arran and whilst the managed estates are in the north, the breakaway herds in the south currently boast two elusive white deer – a stag in the east and a hind in the west.

Quirky Island Fact

#4 - A white deer on Arran usually means the death of a member of the Hamilton dynasty

Arran’s white deer are quite unique. They’re not albino, but are actually red deer that are white. Deer roam all over Arran and whilst the managed estates are in the north, the breakaway herds in the south currently boast two elusive white deer – a stag in the east and a hind in the west.

Quirky Island Fact

#4 - A white deer on Arran usually means the death of a member of the Hamilton dynasty

Arran’s white deer are quite unique. They’re not albino, but are actually red deer that are white. Deer roam all over Arran and whilst the managed estates are in the north, the breakaway herds in the south currently boast two elusive white deer – a stag in the east and a hind in the west.

Island Landscapes

Coastal view and mountain tops

Beaches >

Landscapes >

Gardens >

Waterfalls >

Caves >

Night Sky >

Arranology >

Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark

So what's a Geopark?

Want to know more?

#4 - A white deer on Arran usually means the death of a member of the Hamilton dynasty

Arran’s white deer are quite unique. They’re not albino, but are actually red deer that are white. Deer roam all over Arran and whilst the managed estates are in the north, the breakaway herds in the south currently boast two elusive white deer – a stag in the east and a hind in the west.

#4 - A white deer on Arran usually means the death of a member of the Hamilton dynasty

Arran’s white deer are quite unique. They’re not albino, but are actually red deer that are white. Deer roam all over Arran and whilst the managed estates are in the north, the breakaway herds in the south currently boast two elusive white deer – a stag in the east and a hind in the west.

#4 - A white deer on Arran usually means the death of a member of the Hamilton dynasty

Arran’s white deer are quite unique. They’re not albino, but are actually red deer that are white. Deer roam all over Arran and whilst the managed estates are in the north, the breakaway herds in the south currently boast two elusive white deer – a stag in the east and a hind in the west.

Island Landscapes

Coastal view and mountain tops

Beaches >

Landscapes >

Gardens >

Waterfalls >

Caves >

Night Sky >

Arranology >

Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark

So what's a Geopark?

Want to know more?

#4 - A white deer on Arran usually means the death of a member of the Hamilton dynasty

Arran’s white deer are quite unique. They’re not albino, but are actually red deer that are white. Deer roam all over Arran and whilst the managed estates are in the north, the breakaway herds in the south currently boast two elusive white deer – a stag in the east and a hind in the west.

#4 - A white deer on Arran usually means the death of a member of the Hamilton dynasty

Arran’s white deer are quite unique. They’re not albino, but are actually red deer that are white. Deer roam all over Arran and whilst the managed estates are in the north, the breakaway herds in the south currently boast two elusive white deer – a stag in the east and a hind in the west.

#4 - A white deer on Arran usually means the death of a member of the Hamilton dynasty

Arran’s white deer are quite unique. They’re not albino, but are actually red deer that are white. Deer roam all over Arran and whilst the managed estates are in the north, the breakaway herds in the south currently boast two elusive white deer – a stag in the east and a hind in the west.

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