Activities in Ayrshire
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Walking and Cycling around Arran
Drop into the tourist office near Brodick pier for plenty of walking and cycling suggestions around the island. The handy Selection of Arran Walks (around £3) is a selection of leaflets covering Arran's best-known walks. There are also plenty of maps available.
The walk up and down Goatfell takes up to eight hours return, starting in Brodick and finishing in the grounds of Brodick Castle. If the weather's fine, there are superb views to Ben Lomond and the coast of Northern Ireland. It can, however, be very cold and windy up there; take the appropriate maps (available at the tourist office near Brodick pier), waterproof gear and a compass.
Moderate walks include the trail …
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Ailsa Golf Course
Turnberry’s Ailsa golf course hosted the British Open in 2009 and is one of Scotland’s most prestigious links courses, with spectacular views of Ailsa Craig offshore. You don’t need a handicap certificate to play, just plenty of pounds – the standard green fee is £190. In summer though, take advantage of the after-3pm ‘sunset’ rate and you can go round for £90 a head.
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Arran Adventure Company
Offers loads of activities, running a different one each day (such as gorge walking, sea kayaking, climbing, abseiling and mountain biking). All activities run for about three hours and cost around £48/38/28 for adults/solo teens/kids. Drop in to see what's available while you're around.
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Royal Troon
Troon, a major sailing centre on the coast 7 miles north of Ayr, has excellent sandy beaches and six golf courses. The demanding championship course Royal Troon has offers on its website; the standard green fee is £165 (caddie hire is £40 extra).
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MV Glorious.
To see the island close up you can take a cruise from Girvan on the MV Glorious. It’s possible to land if the sea is reasonably calm; a four-hour trip costs £20/15 per adult/child (£25 per person if you want three hours ashore).
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Isle of Arran Distillery
The Isle of Arran Distillery produces a light, aromatic single malt. The tour is a good one; it’s a small distillery, and the whisky-making process is thoroughly explained. Opening hours are reduced in winter.
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Mapes
Rural parts of the island are pleasant for cycling; the narrow Inner Circle Rd is a particularly good cycle route. There are several bike-hire places in Millport, including Mapes.
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Ayrshire Coastal Path
The best way to appreciate the Ayrshire coastline is on foot: the Ayrshire Coastal Path is 100 miles of spectacular waterside walking.
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Arran Folk Festival
The week-long Arran Folk Festival takes place in early June. There are also local village festivals from June to September.
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