The village
Lochranza is the most northerly village on Arran. It has a lot to offer to make your stay special. Due to its location, on the coast with a backdrop of mountains, the views all around are spectacular and the sunsets …they’ll take your breath away. If you like walking or climbing, there’s easy access to the hills and mountains with several wonderful routes starting in the village. You can enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities here: from climbing to kayaking, and from gorge walking to golf. And if you prefer something less strenuous, take a stroll along the shore to watch the seals and otters, visit the ruins of Lochranza Castle or wander over to the Arran whisky distillery for a tour of the facilities or a tasting. There is something for everyone in Lochranza. There is also a ferry that will take you across to Clonaig on the Kintyre Penninsula and nearby Skipness for a fresh fish lunch or dinner!
Wildlife
Arran enjoys a healthy red deer population, but nowhere is there more chance of spotting these majestic creatures than in Lochranza. The golf course, right across the road from Lodge Farm is a favourite grazing spot, but don’t be surprised if you meet several of them on the road when you’re strolling back from the village at dusk!
Both common and grey seals as well as otters frequent the shores year-round and if you’re lucky you might spot a pod of dolphins. Golden eagles nest in the area and red squirrels can often be seen in the trees and hedgerows.
Special interest
Lochranza Castle is said to date back to the 13th century. It’s location is amazing and helps even the less gifted photographer get some wonderfully scenic holiday pictures. The area also has a special attraction for geologists or anyone interested in the earth sciences because of the wide variety of rocks and formations as well as the nearby Hutton’s Unconformity.
Whisky
The Arran whisky distillery is just a few minutes walk from Lodge Farm. They have tours and tastings on offer and there is a cafe and gift shop in the distillery grounds.
Scottish culture
In the lively bar in nearby Lochranza Hotel you can enjoy bar meals and sometimes musical entertainment from local bands. In the summer months, the village community hall welcomes visitors and locals to join in the fun of the Thursday night Ceilidh.
There is also a good restaurant in Lochranza – be sure to book your table as it’s always busy.
Useful links
LOCHRANZA DISTILLERY
LOCHRANZA CENTRE
LOCHRANZA CASTLE
HUTTON’S UNCONFORMITY
STAGS PAVILLION
FERRY TIMETABLE
