Arran, any recommendations?

[minipin]

Hi, we are off to the island of Arran next week, 2 adults and 2 small dogs. We are well prepared with insect repellent and tick removers, would love to get recommendations for things to do and see, best beaches etc.
Thanks in advance!

It's been a few years since we last went (at least 10) but we had a lovely time.

I remember the beach at Kildonan was brilliant because if you walk far enough along it you get to a bit where there are loads of seals basking on the rocks.

We took the boat from Lamlash to Holy Isle and had a great walk over the central hills on that island.

Another lovely trip, we took the ferry from Lochranza over to the Kintyre Peninsula then made our way to Skipness Castle. We had hired bikes in Lochranza but, to be frank, we could probably have walked as easily as the bikes were a bit past it. However at Skipness there was a wonderful seafood cabin. Don't know if it is still there but worth a visit if it is.

Don't know if you and your dogs are walkers but the biggest hill on Arran is Goat Fell. Fairly straightforward walk as I recall

If you've got time to kill before the Ferry at Ardrossan I ate here recently and it was lovely (and I say that as a meat eater). It was dog friendly and just near the junction as you take the road down to the ferry. There's an Asda round the back that you could park in. I'd probably also fill up with petrol at the Asda as it's likely to be cheaper. Vegetarian & Plant-Based Cafe | Moka | Ardrossan | Scotland (mokaardrossan.co.uk)
The walk highlands website is my go to for walking routes.

Its fantastic, Scotland in miniature, Jus be prepared as some times the ferry can be delayed / cancelled even in summer.
Some ideas here scroll down the page
http://www.donthibernate.co.uk/summer-trip-to-the-west-coast-of-scotland/

I love visiting Arran, and can't wait for my next trip later this year.

Some random recommendations:
Blackwater bakehouse in Blackwaterfoot
Mara fish bar and delicatessen in Corrie
Walk up Glen Rosa
Mogabout trip
Ferry to Holy Isle
Silver sands beach

Thankyou!

If you are feeling up to it, you will not regret a hill walk. The 'obvious' hill is Goat Fell - and the view on a good day is properly up there as one of the best views in Scotland in my view. It does get busy though, so set off early.

The golf club at Blackwaterfoot is a nice base to do a short walk - and I have seen otters in broad daylight on the beach there before. It is also the place if you get a nice sunset - take an evening picnic and watch the sun sink over Kintyre.

The waterfall at Eas a’ Chrannaig is superb - but do go on a wet day. Set off from south end of Whiting Bay.

Sannox beach is proper dose of sandy beach, and often out the wind. The walk up the glen behind is ace, with fabulous pools to swim nekkid in away from the crowds ;-) . Als0 possible to see adders basking on a hot day up there.

The Corrie Hotel serves amazing food - the crumble was just perfect last time I was there. Even better if you can sit outside on their sea-side garden.

You also need to giggle at the rude place name - there is a Cock Lodge at the Butt of Arran... :-)