Local Outdoor Activity Providers
Looking for something to do whilst you visit the Isle of Arran? Maybe you’re here on holiday, visiting relatives or even for work (there’s always room for down time!) why not check out some of the amazing activities on offer. With something for all ages and preferences there’s sure to be something here for you if you love the great outdoors.
Things to do on Arran
There has never been a better time to plan your trip to the largest island in the Clyde; known as Scotland in miniature our magical island has the capability to captivate your heart and soul. It’s one of the reasons so many of our team are here today. Within touching distance from the mainland but far away enough to feel like a different country there’s no shortage of things to do on Arran throughout the year.
Home to Scotland’s Big Five and a daily sight for our residents every day of the week you’re in for a treat if you want to see Golden Eagle, Red Deer, Common Seal, Otter and Red Squirrel. Just another reason why we love our island – can you tell?
Whilst we focus on outdoor activities below there is so much more to discover. We’ll be doing a blog post on this over the coming months but for now head on over to Visit Arran’s Website and discover even more reasons to visit.
Discover shops and other attractions
From retail therapy to literal spa therapy Arran has it covered – we could spend all day writing about things to do, shops to browse and services on offer but instead we recommend you check out the following sites which go into way more detail:
Visit Arran - VisitArran will inspire you to make the very most out of your trip to Arran, from planning your first trip, to helping you book many different and exciting things to do and places to see, as well as let you experience all that is on offer whilst you are staying with us.
Arran Online - A comprehensive directory Including local businesses, places to stay, places to eat, things to see and do. There’s even an app you can download for your smart device.
Isle of Arran Outdoor Activity Providers
We’ve done some of the hard work and compiled a list of our top friends and trusted providers to make your planning that bit easier. Where our team have been on an adventure with the provider we’ll even give you our honest view of that experience! So let’s dive into the providers; grab a pen and paper and get noting down those that you’ll book for your next adventure on Arran...
Jump to Water Based Activities - save the scroll!Land Based Activities
Otters Tail
Offering Hill walking, george walking and sea kayaking year round. Our aim is to give you an unforgettable experience on the beautiful island of Arran. We will take you to places you might otherwise never have seen and bring you back smiling. We provide all specialist equipment, as well as tuition by very well qualified, friendly and experienced guides. We can do everything from family trips to more challenging expeditions for experienced adventurers. Andy and Elanor McNamara, your Otter's Tail guides, have been working in the Outdoor education industry for over 20 years. Both are fully qualified to take you on an Otter's Tail Arran adventure, and look forward to meeting you.
Email: info@otterstail.co.uk
Website: otterstail.co.uk
Our Experience
Not only have many of our team been out with Andy and Elanor but some even work with them during the season so we’re well placed to recommend Otters Tail to anyone visiting the island. A recent outing on a sunny day saw one of the team heading to North Glen Sannox for an afternoon of gorge walking. With Andy leading the antic’s you’ll be in for a barrel of laughs, make new friends and learn plenty along the way!
Mogabout - 4x4 Unimog Tours
Mogabout is an experience with three elements: our fabulous vehicles, our knowledgeable guide and our stunning island. Jump into the 4 x 4 Mercedes Unimog 16 Seater, with huge windows and comfy seats and listen as our knowledgeable guide shares Arran’s secrets. With access to parts of the island you’d struggle to reach otherwise, Mogabout is TripAdvisor’s no.1 tour on the Isle of Arran. All year round you can discover Arran with us – its history, culture, geography and ecology!
Call: 07799555287
Email: info@mogabout.com
Website: mogabout.com
Our Experience
Multiple members of our team have had the opportunity to head off the beaten track with Alex and his formidable 4x4 Unimog. The size of the vehicle is insane and matched by Alex’s captivating stories of the local area and wildlife. This is a sure way to explore the island and like no other experience many of us have had. Not only have we all had great experiences, but we’ve also come away having learn so much more about our island. Exciting, entertaining, educational and great for all the family!
Arran Wild Walks with Lucy and Wally Wallace
Discover the breathtaking mountains, heather clad moors and rugged coastline of Arran with qualified Mountain Leaders. Walking on Arran is the best way to experience the beauty of Arran’s scenery and magnificent wildlife. See charismatic animals such as otters, harbour seals, golden eagles and red deer in their natural habitat.
Call: 07825 644161
Email: wallace@arranwildwalks.com
Website: arranwildwalks.com
Ride Arran - Mountain Bike Guiding
British Cycling accredited Mountain bike guiding (MTB) on the Isle of Arran. Catering for all abilities and ages ranging from an intro to Arran’s trails to half day and full day guided rides. All routes selected to your skill set and tailored to your needs.
Call: 07961 505817
Email: ridearran@gmail.com
Website: facebook.com/RideArran
Arran Bike Hire
Whether you're looking for a laid-back casual cycle involving flat coastal roads and a beer garden waiting at the end (Brodick to Corrie) or you are full of steel and grit, up for the challenging loop of the Island, here at Arran Bike Hire we have the bikes and advise to send you merrily on your way.We have a fleet of quality Giant bikes, both hybrid - suitable or getting you around the island in comfort and confidence, and mountain bikes that are perfect for tackling even the toughest off-road routes the island has to offer.
Call: 07825160668
Email: arranbikehire@gmail.com
Website: arranbikehire.com
Lochranza Centre
The Lochranza Centre provides field study and activity coursesfrom their large centre located in Lochranza at the North end of the island. With holiday packages and activity sessions including: Abseiling, Archery, Axe-throwing, Bushcraft, Canoeing, Climbing, Cycling, Gorge Walking, Guided Geology / Wildlife / Mountain walks, Orienteering, Paddleboard taster sessions and raft building.
Call: 01770830637
Email: info@lochranzacentre.co.uk
Website: lochranzacentre.co.uk
Water Based Activities
Dive Arran - PADI Dive Resort
Learn to scuba dive and discover the incredible underwater world around our breath-taking island. From your first breath on our PADI Discover Scuba session, getting certified as a PADI Open Water Diver or going Pro as a PADI Divemaster we're here to help. As the islands first and only PADI Dive Resort we offer a vast range of courses and experiences to anyone visiting our beautiful island. You’ll find our information board in the Watersports section of Arran Active.
Call: 07713142214
Email: hello@divearran.com
Website: divearran.com
Our Experience
With an information point in-store and home to the islands only Dive Resort we’re proud to support Dive Arran help visitors gain a unique perspective on our world. Working with COAST, both Arran Active and Dive Arran are enabling anyone to explore the underwater world around our island. With laughs a-plenty above and below the water you’ll make memories that last a lifetime when you experience scuba diving for the first time.
Otters Tail
Offering Hill walking, george walking and sea kayaking year round. Our aim is to give you an unforgettable experience on the beautiful island of Arran. We will take you to places you might otherwise never have seen and bring you back smiling. We provide all specialist equipment, as well as tuition by very well qualified, friendly and experienced guides. We can do everything from family trips to more challenging expeditions for experienced adventurers. Andy and Elanor McNamara, your Otter's Tail guides, have been working in the Outdoor education industry for over 20 years. Both are fully qualified to take you on an Otter's Tail Arran adventure, and look forward to meeting you.
Email: info@otterstail.co.uk
Website: otterstail.co.uk
Our Experience
Not only have many of our team been out with Andy and Elanor but some even work with them during the season so we’re well placed to recommend Otters Tail to anyone visiting the island. A recent outing on a sunny day saw one of the team heading to North Glen Sannox for an afternoon of gorge walking. With Andy leading the antic’s you’ll be in for a barrel of laughs, make new friends and learn plenty along the way!
Kayak Arran
Kayak Arran offers full day and half day tours around the beautiful coastline of the Isle of Arran, and its neighbouring islands, Pladda and Holy Isle. No experience is necessary - our guides will tailor your trip to your requirements. All equipment is provided.
Call: 07931 803799
Email: info@kayakarran.co.uk
Website: kayakarran.co.uk
Community of Arran Seabed Trust
The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) is a community-led organisation that has made a huge difference to the conservation and restoration of the seas around Arran and the Clyde for the past 25 years. We stand for a diverse, abundant and beautiful marine environment for everyone. The COAST Discovery Centre is Scotland’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA) visitor centre, and the UK’s first community-led MPA visitor centre. Located in Lamlash the team run Snorkel Taster Sessions and Shore Scrambles throughout the summer season.
Call: 01770 600 656
Email: info@arrancoast.com
Website: arrancoast.com
Our Experience
A visit to Arran isn’t complete with out popping down to the COAST Discovery centre where you can discover some of our local sea creatures in their marine tanks, learn all about the no take zone and the incredible work being done by the team to protect our coastal areas. During the summer Brian and Amanda run immersive snorkelling sessions which are educational, fun, and great for the whole family. Some of our team have taken part in this along with a shore scramble and come back raving about all the things they’ve learnt during their time with the COAST team.
Lochranza Centre
The Lochranza Centre provides field study and activity coursesfrom their large centre located in Lochranza at the North end of the island. With holiday packages and activity sessions including: Abseiling, Archery, Axe-throwing, Bushcraft, Canoeing, Climbing, Cycling, Gorge Walking, Guided Geology / Wildlife / Mountain walks, Orienteering, Paddleboard taster sessions and raft building.
Call: 01770830637
Email: info@lochranzacentre.co.uk
Website: lochranzacentre.co.uk