Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the whisky-making process is thoroughly explained. More expensive tours (£15) include
extra tastings. Opening hours are reduced in winter.
The Lochranza area bristles with red deer, who wander into the village unconcernedly
to crop the grass on the golf course.
Sleeping & Eating
HOSTEL
Lochranza SYHA£
(
01770-830631;
www.syha.org.uk
; dm/d £19/50; mid Mar-Oct plus weekends year-
round; )
A recent refurbishment has made a really excellent hostel of what was
always a charming place, with lovely views. The rooms are great, with chunky wooden
furniture, keycards, and lockers. Rainwater toilets, energy-saving heating solutions, and
an excellent room for guests with disabilities show the thought that's gone into the re-
design, while plush lounging areas, a kitchen you could run a restaurant out of, a laundry,
a drying room, red deer in the garden and welcoming management combine to make this a
top option. Internet access is unreliable and expensive.
Apple Lodge££
(
01770-830229; s/d/ste £54/78/90; )
Once the village manse, this rewarding choice
is dignified and hospitable. Rooms are individually furnished and very commodious. One
has a four-poster bed, while another is a self-contained suite in the garden. The guest
lounge is perfect for curling up with a good book, and courteous hosts mean you should
book this one well ahead in summer. Dinner is available (£25).
B&B
PUB
Catacol Bay Hotel£
(
01770-830231;
www.catacol.co.uk
; r per person £30; )
Genially run, and
with a memorable position overlooking the water, this no-frills pub 2 miles south of Lo-
chranza offers comfortable-enough rooms with shared bathroom and views to lift the
heaviest heart. Unpretentious bar food comes out in generous portions, there's a Sunday
lunch buffet (£13.25), and the beer garden is worth a contemplative pint or two as you
gaze off across the water into the west.
Lochranza Hotel££
(
01770-830223;
www.lochranza.co.uk
;
s/d £58/94; )
The focus of the village, and
the only place you can get an evening meal, this bastion of Arran hospitality has comfort-
HOTEL
