Adventure on the Isle of Arran (From This Is Local London)

Adventure on the Isle of Arran

2:22pm Thursday 7th August 2008 in

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Despite being covered in scratches and midge bites Helen Backway finds beauty and mystery as well as amazing cheese on an adventure break on the Isle of Arran in bonnie Scotland.

WHILE negotiating a narrow, rocky path on a mountain bike I decided I might be better getting off and walking.

Unfortunately I lost my balance and fell into a bush of brambles and struggled to scramble up again.

This was one of my first impressions of Arran, sitting on my bottom in a bush of thorns.

And this was before I was attacked by midges!

The action-packed break left me aching and wondering what I was doing several times, but I don't have a bad word to say against the beautiful 19 mile-long Isle of Arran.

The precarious path we followed on our mountain biking route was surrounded by greenery and a mountain backdrop.

Sadly most of the time I was too scared to take my eye off the path to appreciate it, frightened I would hit a boulder and go flying over the bike's handle bars.

Outdoor adventure is just one of the attractions of Arran. Adrenaline junkies can sample sea kayaking, abseiling and sailing (to name a few) as well as swathes of countryside to explore on foot.

The most hardcore outdoor types would appreciate the trek to the top of Arran's mountain, Goat Fell. At 874 metres you can see as far as Ireland on a clear day.

But after all that exercise what better way to unwind than by enjoying some of the produce on offer on the island?

Food and drink lovers will be in heaven - flavoured cheese (caramelised onion and mustard just two of my favourites) and whisky just a couple of the delicacies.

And one of the other noted producers on the island, Arran Aromatics, can apparently boast chef Jamie Oliver's wife Jools among its fans.

If all the exertions weren't enough regular ceildh nights are organised at the restaurant of the Auchrannie House Hotel in Brodick.

And if Arran is too quiet a break to the island could be combined with a trip to the bustling city of Glasgow.

But I think you, like me, will be won over by Arran's quiet charms, beautiful landscapes and good food.

Factfile

Helen flew to Glasgow Prestwick with Ryanair and then travelled by ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick.

Accommodation was at the Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot (01770 860444) and Auchrannie House Hotel, Brodick (01770 302 234).

Arran Adventure Company organise activities for individuals and groups. For more information call 01770 302244.

For more breaks log on to www.visitscotland.com/perfectday or for more on Arran www.visitarran.com