Things to do. The West Side of the Isle of Arran

Last month we did a little blog about the Sannox area of Arran, and this month we are looking more at the west side and Blackwaterfoot area. This is often thought of as the quieter side of the island, away from the main port, but there is so much to do and see, that this is only a small selection of ideas.

Bridge at Blackwaterfoot

Blackwaterfoot is the main village on this side and boasts a fabulous long sandy beach which can be walked to Drumadoon point or beyond.  Walking southwards the beach is rockier with numerous seabirds and rock pools to explore.

Drumadoon point

Travelling north from Blackwaterfoot, less than 2 miles brings you to a car park from where the circular Kings Caves walk can be started.  The Kings Cave are a fabulous attraction for children and adults a like, with historic carvings throughout the cave - remember to bring a torch. And a short detour can be made to view a dinosaur footprint (see previous blogs).

Kings Caves

Again a little further north are the Machrie Stones and numerous ston circles.  This flat walk across farm land, to the moor is a gentle stroll and passes a couple of circles before the main standing stones are reached. Another less visited circle can be found at Auchengallon, which is slightly raised above the coast and provides beautiful views of the seashore.

Auchagallon Stone Circle

This area has two golf courses, Shiskine and Machrie. Shiskine is a 12 hole links course and Machrie a 9 hole course that is family friendly and allows dogs to accompany players,  providing they do not steal any balls!

Machrie Moor Standing Stone (one of several)

For shopping, Blackwaterfoot has a small village supplies shop, which is also the post office, the Harbour shop newsagents, the Arran Butcher and an Art gallery.  Further north at Machrie a farm track leads you to the Olde Byre for traditional and modern country clothing and wares, along with a pottery where you can 'paint your own'.

Shiskin Golf Course and Felicitys tearoom

Stopping for lunch, or just coffee and a cake is easy, with three great tearooms.  Felicitys at Blackwaterfoot (Shiskine Golf Course), Machrie Bay Tearoom (Machrie Golf course) and Cafe Thyme at the Olde Byre site. All are family friendly, with Cafe Thyme and Machrie Bay having play areas for children. And all have great views and food.

Play area at Machrie Golf Course and Tearoom

And if you fancy a swim but not in the sea, try the pool at the Kinloch which is open to the public. or how about some pony trekking.  Cairnhouse stables caters for novices and experienced riders, you can even bring your own horse and stable it there for your holiday.

Monyquil Mhor Garden and views.

Monyquil Mhor self catering farmhouse is an ideal base from which to explore this area, and is set in tranquil farmland.  The farmhouse sleeps 8 but at a price that attracts smaller families or groups.  There is a large luxury farmhouse kitchen, huge utility and two bathrooms.

Carving at Kings Cave

All images copyright to Arran in Focus photography tours and workshops.

East and West luxury lodges - Will they be ready for Easter?

Pen drawing of East Lodge

The start of April is our target date and the new East and West lodges are progressing well, despite the setbacks with torrential rain.

Kitchens also have dishwashers as standard

Still a bit of finishing to do, but the kitchen is fitted

We managed to get the electricity connected in mid December so the underfloor heated got its first test and everything works beautifully.  Some of the workmen realised they could dry out wet clothing by laying it on the floor!

Luxury bathroom with underfloor heating and spa shower

Once everything was checked the floors could be finished and it was on with fitting the bathrooms and kitchens - these are the same in both lodges and have luxury fitments.  The kitchens include dishwashers and the bathrooms luxury spa showers.

Interiors are again being discussed and the current favourite is a stripe or check by Ian Mankin interiors. although we love the name of the Arran Charcoal, it's a little dark for our interiors.







Outside the block paving has started and quickly transforms the path from a building site to a finished product. The landscaping is next for the shared front and the enclosed rear gardens.  We have not decided yet whether to turf or flag - or combine both.

Ensuring the outside will be as good as the inside with solid black pavement

 We are definitely on target and should be putting the furniture and soft furnishings in by the end of February.

Kennels change direction into East and West Lodge

The kennels get a makeover

Sitting at the side of Castle  Lodge, on the private drive to the Castle, are the extensive kennels and stable areas which used to service BrodickCastle on the Isle of Arran.

The old stable buildings

These kennels are about 100 years old and accommodated approximately 40 pointer dogs, which were used during the grouse season. Annually around 1400 grouse were shot until about 30 years ago when numbers declined and shoots moved to pheasant which became more popular.

Old plaster and timber - All to be removed

The kennels and stable areas have not been used for many years, becoming a redundant store area and falling into disrepair.  Like many older buildings they have some lovely architectural features and details, along with the not so lovely crumbling lath and plaster.

Kennel yard needs clearing

Cleared of weeds

 After much planning it was decided to restore these buildings into two luxury holiday cottages and so the work began.

First all the planning, architectural drawings, costings, planning applications and all the administration that goes with it.

Out with the old drainage systems

In with new air conditioning

Followed by totally gutting the buildings to remove all the old and rotten wood, plaster, pipe work and grunge.

Plastering, electrics, windows and doors, all replaced.

Then the rebuild could begin in earnest.  Drains, electrics, plumbing, plastering, roofing, windows and doors.  Some days it seemed like it would have been easier to raise the whole lot to the ground and start afresh. 

Keeping features such as the horse ties

Underfloor heating

But it quickly came together and the snaking lines of under floor heating were laid, and kitchens started to be fitted.

New kitchen going in

New bathroom being fitted

The interior design is the next major element and samples were obtained and colour schemes planned.  Laura Ashley seems to be the favourite and is in keeping with the luxury that we are trying to achieve, and full interior pictures will be posted soon. (Link to Laura Ashley website here).

Starting on the interior design

Laura Ashley fabrics

Back in the heyday of Brodick Castle the head gamekeeper enjoyed the benefits of living at Castle Lodge which is a fabulous house, to be near all the animals he managed.  Several years ago Castle Lodge was renovated to a luxury standard and is also available for holiday letting.

Bookings are being taken for all the properties and links are below.

The East lodge will sleep 4

The west lodge will sleep 2

Castle lodge sleeps 10

Laura Ashley wallpapers

All images courtesy of Arran in Focus