Arran

From SCWiki

Contents 1 The Climbing 1.1 General 1.2 Crags 2 Maps and Guidebooks 2.1 Climbing Guides 2.2 Maps 2.3 Walking Guides 3 Getting There and Getting Around 3.1 Trains 3.2 Ferry 3.3 Buses 3.4 Taxis 4 Accommodation 4.1 Campsites 4.2 Hostels and Bunkhouses 4.3 Hotels and B&B's

The Climbing

General

For many climbing on Arran is synonymous with granite. This climbing is centred on the ‘highlands’ of Arran, found in the centre of the northern half of the island. The granites rough texture affords superb friction and the sculptural curves and breaks provide a distinctive climbing style.

But mountain granite isn’t all Arran has to offer, the costal cliffs offer climbing on schist and there is also bouldering.

Crags

• A'Chir
• Chir Mhor
• Beinn Tarsuinn (Arran)
• Caisteal Abhail
• Rosa Slabs

Maps and Guidebooks

Climbing Guides

SMC Arran, Arrochar and the Southern Highlands

Maps

Ordnance Survey Explorer 361 (1:25 000 scale) - Double sided map with Northern Arran one on side, and Southern Arran on the other.

Ordnance Survey Landranger 69 (1: 50 000 scale) - The whole island on one sheet

Harvey Superwalker: Isle of Arran (Whole Island 1:40 000, Mountains 1:25 000) - Double sided map with the whole island on one side, the other side has the mountainous area at a larger scale.

Walking Guides

Pocket Mountains, The Islands, Pocket sized walking guide to Scotland's Islands

SMC The Corbetts - Guide to all the 2500 ft peaks in Scotland, including Goat Fell.

Cicercone, Walking in the Isle of Arran

Getting There and Getting Around

Trains

Trains to and from Glasgow Central connect with the ferry at Ardrossan.

Ferry

The main ferry to Arran runs between Ardossan and Brodick and is operated by CalMac. In Summer there are 4 sailing's a day, with an extra sailing on Friday evenings. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminals, but advance booking is recommended at busy times, especially for vehicles.

CalMac also run a ferry from Lochranza to Claonaig which has about 10 sailing's a day in summer, less frequent in winter.

There is also an infrequent ferry between Tarbet and Lochranza.

Buses

X36 Stagecoach from Glasgow to Ardrossan

There are 3 main services around the island, operated by Stagecoach. Buses leaving and arriving in Brodick connect with the ferry services.

• 322: Brodick - Blackwaterfoot via The String
• 323: Brodick - Blackwaterfoot via the South half of the main road. This route takes in Lamlash and Whiting Bay.
• 324: Brodick - Blackwaterfoot via the North half of the main road. This route takes in Sannox and Lochranza

There is also a postbus.

Taxis

Accommodation

Campsites

Glen Rosa Campsite - Located at the entrance to Glen Rosa. Basic facilites comprising toilets and cold running water. The river, which runs through the site, is prone to flooding.

Hostels and Bunkhouses

Lochranza SYHA - Comfy youth hostel at northern tip of the island. Prices from £9 - £13.50.

Hotels and B&B's

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