CAMPER ADVENTURES to the ISLAND KNOWN AS 'SCOTLAND IN MINIATURE'.
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
@theplyguys
ISLE OF ARRAN
April 2026
The Ply Guy's first 2026 road trip took us on a voyage to the Isle of Arran, known as 'Scotland in miniature' due to its diverse geography, from jaw-dropping highland-styled mountains in the north and rolling lowland hills in the south.
Taking a ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick in our juicy fleet of six, one a classic Land Rover Defender 110, the other a non-classic Ineos Grenadier, mixed with the notes of a Crafter, whisked with two T6s, and a T7 for some spice.
From Brodick, we ventured north, driving via the A841 through windy roads, deep into the wild and rugged lanscape, passing the jagged mountains, where even Frodo could mistake it for Mordor. Arriving for our weekend stay at Lochranza Caravan and Campsite.
The island is a haven for all types of outdoor activities, one of the most popular is hiking up Goatfell, the highest point on Arran (875m). Whilst some might decide to chill by the sandy shores of Sannox beach and scran delicious food at 'Mara Fish Bar & Deli’, others decided to trail run into the mist and windy mountains to taste some pain.
DISCOVERING A HIDDEN BEACH ON TOP OF A HILL:
Before we headed back to the mainland, we went on a up-hill stroll or some might say a trek taking 1.5-2hrs from Thunderguy to a stunning loch with a sandy beach on top of a hill. We chilled in the sun with some 5-star sandwiches from The Sandwich Station.
Route Highlights
RECAP
🏔️ North Glen Sannox - Waterfalls and hiking trails.
🏖️ Sannox Bay -Sannox Bay is a small but tranquil beach in the small village of Sannox on the North West of Arran.
🏰 Lochranza Castle - 16th century castle situated on a peninsula extending into Loch Ranza.
🏖️ Stonesthrow Sauna - Sauna located in Whiting Bay Beach
🍳 Mara Fish Bar & Deli - Freshly made to order seafood dishes in a takeaway style dining experience using the best of Arran & Scotland's seafood.
🏔️ Coire-Fhionn Lochan - Little Loch of the Pale Corrie, and its crystal-clear water is fringed with white granite sand.
🍺 Cladach Beach House - A slice of paradise, cocktails on the beach.
🍔 Lochranza Country Inn - Food and drinks + we had some live music.
🥪 The Sandwhich Station - Outstanding sandwiches made with superb quality locally baked bread & fillings also locally produced.
The Fleet
This wasn’t just a scenic drive—we were putting four very different Ply Guys setups to the test. Here’s what we rolled out:
T6 SWB Kombi – Assynt Bed System Watch a similar build
T6 SWB Kombi – Cuillin Bed System Watch the build setup
T7 SWB – Assynt Bed System Check out the build
MWB VW Crafter – Full Danachd Build Watch the full video
Classic Land Rover Defender 110 – Full Danachd Build Watch the full video
Ineos Grenadier – Rathad storage box pop-top Watch the full video
Every van had a different vibe, but the one thing they shared was simplicity—easy to live in, easy to clean, and ready for everything from coastlines to castle car parks.
Watch the Trip
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT AND DO ON ARRAN:
We mainly explored the north of Arran, but there are still plenty to visit. Here are a few other recommendations.
HIKING/WALKING
Hiking up and down Goatfell takes roughly 4.5 - 6hrs. https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/arran/goatfell.shtml
Walking to Glen Rosa and the Blue Pool takes roughly 2.5 -3hrs. https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/arran/glen-rosa.shtml
Hiking to Caisteal Abhail, via North Glen Sannox takes roughly 5.5 - 6.5hrs. https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/arran/caisteal-abhail.shtml
Walking to Eas Mòr, Loch Garbad takes roughly 1.5 - 2hrs. https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/arran/eas-mor.shtml
WHIKSY/BEER
Lochranza Distillery https://www.arranwhisky.com/
Lagg Distillery https://www.laggwhisky.com/
Arran Brewery https://www.arranbrewery.co.uk/
HISTORIC SITES
Brodick Castle, Gardenand Country Park
Lochranza Castle
Machrie Moor Standing Stones
Kings Cave
Giants Graves
The Doctor's Bath
CARAVAN & CAMPSITES
Lochranza Campsite and Golf, Lochranza https://www.arran-campsite.com/
Seal Shore Campsite, Kildonan https://www.campingarran.com/
Bridgend Campsite, Bridgend https://bridgendcampsitearran.com/
Middletons Camping, Lamlash https://middletonsarran.co.uk/
WELLNESS
SPA & Leisure (https://www.auchrannie.co.uk/the-aspa.html)
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Sea Kayaking (https://www.otterstail.co.uk/) (https://kayakarran.co.uk/)
Boat Excursions https://lamlashcruises.org.uk/
Horse Riding (http://cairnhousestables.com/) (http://www.northsannoxponytrekking.co.uk/)
Pro Tips for Your CAMPER Adventure:
Ferry Timing: Check the ferry times, arrive early but make sure they are running with no disruptions. https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/
Beat the Midges: Spring and early summer are gold—before the midges show up. If you're going later, grab a head net and some Smidge spray. Or just park up somewhere breezy. (Recommend using Smidge and will-power to fight the midges.)
Pack for All Seasons (Even in One Day): From T-shirt weather to rain, wind and mist in the mountains—Scotland loves to keep you guessing. Layers, waterproofs, and decent boots are a must.
Respect the Land: Wild camping’s a privilege—use laybys or existing spots, leave no trace, and go easy on the drone flying near quiet communities.
Support the Locals: Pubs, coffee shacks, and honesty boxes are dotted along the way. Get stuck in—fresh seafood and island baking hits different after a long hike.
Pack your sense of adventure, a good playlist, and a van that’s built to go off the beaten track. Bonus points if you’ve got a dog riding shotgun.
From mountain passes to hidden beaches, this corner of the west coast gives you a bit of everything—without the crowds. Add a few paddleboards, some wild swims, and a setup that works as hard as you do, and you’ve got a trip that’ll be hard to beat.
NEW* INTRODUCING THE RADIX : Folding Tripod (For Sequioa Table Leg)
The Radix is a foldable tripod ideal for using with your existing Sequoia leg and Sulivean Campervan Table for a movable and outdoor table solution. https://www.theplyguys.co.uk/product-page/radix-folding-tripod-for-sequioa-table-leg
