Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Arran's Outdoor Activities
In addition to the many hiking possibili-
ties in the area, you could try archery,
kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, and
more.
Arran Adventure
(
&
01770/302-
244;
www.arranadventure.com), based
at the Auchrannie Spa Resort in Brod-
ick, can arrange the works for you. If
you fancy a unique golfing challenge,
then head west across the island from
Brodick to Blackwaterfoot and try your
luck at the Shiskine course. It has only
12 holes, but between the driving winds
and diverting scenery, it has become a
legendary challenge. A round costs
about £18. Contact the
Shiskine Golf
and Tennis Club
(
&
01770/860-226;
www.shiskinegolf.com).
you can also hike (or mountain-bike) around an extensive 300-acre country park, as
well as joining the paths to Goat Fell and Glen Rosa.
North of Brodick town center, off the A841 near Cladach.
&
08444/932-152.
www.nts.org.uk. Admis-
sion £10.50 adults, £7.50 seniors and children, £26 family. Parking £2. MC, V. Castle: Apr-Oct daily
11am-4pm. Country park: Daily 9:30am-sunset.
Isle of Bute
Bute is one of the easiest Scottish islands to reach. Ferries depart from the restored
Victorian railway terminal in the village of
Wemyss Bay
on the Clyde coast, about
54km (33 miles) southwest of Glasgow. Trains from Glasgow's Central Station
depart hourly and the trip takes less than 1 hour. The standard, same-day round-trip
fare is about £10. The ferry departs approximately every 45 minutes in the summer
and the crossing to
Rothesay
, Bute's main port, takes 35 minutes. Single passengers
pay £4 one-way, and cars cost an additional £16. For ferry information, call
&
0870/565-0000,
or go to www.calmac.co.uk. Call
&
0870/608-2608
for
public transportation information.
Mount Stuart
This neo-Gothic mansion (built in the 1870s) belongs to the
Marquess of Bute's family (descendents of the Stuart royal line). The interiors reveal
the particular interests of John Crichton-Stuart, the Third Marquess (1847-1900),
such as a ceiling covered in constellations, reflecting his interest in astrology. The
garden is excellent, dating back to the early decades of the 18th century. The exten-
sive grounds have a woodlands park, a huge walled area—ironically called the “wee
garden”—and a working vegetable plot, too.
A844 near Scoulag, Isle of Bute, about 8km (5 miles) south of Rothesay.
&
01700/503-877.
www.
mountstuart.com. Admission for both house and grounds £8 adults, £6.50 seniors, £4 children, £20
family. AE, MC, V. House: May-Sept Sun-Fri 11am-5pm; Sat 10am-2:30pm. Gardens: Daily 10am-6pm.
Rothesay Castle
Located in the heart of Rothesay, only a few minutes' walk
from the ferry terminal and harbor, this castle is unusual in Scotland for its circular
plan. It dates to the beginning of the 13th century, with a large moat encircling the
ramparts. Interestingly, the castle plays up the connections that this part of Scotland
had with Norse rulers; King Haakon IV in particular. Scandinavia's battles with the
native Scots ended with Scotland's eventual victory in the 13th century. Although
mostly a restored ruin, the castle has an impressive pigeon tower and chapel within
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