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.

Test driving our blog!

So here’s our introductory blog, more of a bit of a test drive really and a bit of history (600 years condensed into a couple of lines).  We are Arran Island Cottages, and are part of the Sannox Estate – although it’s not quite that simple.

Views of Arran

The Sannox Estate, owned by Charles Fforde was originally encompassed within Arran Estates, owned by Lady Jean Fforde, but parts of this had to be sold to cover death duties and other taxes and estate management costs over the years.  Different areas of Arran Estates were sold, passed onto family or put into trust. So now the main landholders on Arran include not only Arran Estates but the Sannox Estate, Dougarie Estate, Forestry commission and NTS.

Charles Fforde

There are close family ties between Arran Estates, the Sannox Estate and Arran Island Cottages.

The family are traced back to the Hamiltons when the majority of Arran was acquired between 1455 – 1503. Feuding was common, and the Hamiltons feuded with the Stewarts, who burnt Brodick Castle down in 1526! Disputes ranged for another 100 years, and at one time the Hamiltons lost control of Brodick Castle and Arran for about 20 years. However, a marriage and payment of ‘fines’, found the situation resolved. The land around Lochranza, Machrie and Catacol came under the Hamiltons in the 1700’s and a degree of stability fell around the island.

Brodick Castle

Tourism, if it could be called that, was boosted by sailings of the ‘Helensburgh’ steamboat, which sailed from Greenock via Rothsay and returned via Millport.  But one of the most harrowing parts of Arran history is not about those who came but those who went.  The clearances in the around 1829 saw many islanders leaving from Lamlash port, not always willingly to emigrate to Canada. The journey took 2 months and there are still close ties to Canada now.

Other snippets include the first police officer to Arran who arrived in 1863, well before the first recorded murder in 1889.

Rugged coastline

Technology arrived by way of a telephone line between Brodick Castle and Dougarie Lodge in 1913.

In 1933 electricity arrived for the masses, first being installed in Brodick.

Views from the Castles - a frequently visited spot for mountain rescue

1953 saw the first car ferry and the increase in visitors saw the formation of the Arran Mountain Rescue Team in 1964.  The first team leader was the Arran Estate head forester – Alastair Douglas.

Photographs courtesy of Arran in Focus.