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Isle of Arran or Oban

Posted by (Vancouver, Canada) on

I am headed to Scotland with my husband and two daughters (11 and 16) in May. We've got 3 days at the beginning in Glasgow, 10 in Edinburgh, and three more full days at the end in Glasgow.

We want to do one big day trip during our last few days in Glasgow.

Many people recommended the Isle of Arran, which seems spectacular. Others recommend Oban because of the great train ride and it will be as close as we get to seeing the Highlands.

We won't have a car. So, all of this would be done on train and ferry. I would love to hear recommendations. I'm concerned that we would potentially make the big trip to Oban and then not really have much to do before having to head back. The trip to Arran is much shorter.

Posted by
8880 posts

While I enjoyed the train ride to Oban, it simply wasn't that awe inspiring in terms of scenery. I don't know where you are from, but the scenery seemed pretty typical for someone who has lived in the PNW and it was like a really green Palouse. The main purpose for going to Oban is to use it as a starting off place for visiting the islands. If you are just looking for day trip, I think it is not worth the time you would spend to get there. I would vote for the Isle of Arran.

Posted by
1290 posts

Definitely Arran, which is known as Scotland in miniature. I'm sure you could get a day tour of the island. Even better would be to stay on the island for a night or two.

Posted by
5678 posts

I haven't been to Arran, but have read a lot about it. And I have been to Oban and I would choose Arran too. I hope I can visit it sometime. I've seen Arran described as the Highlands in miniature. :)

Posted by
4584 posts

I haven't been to Arran either, but I have a coworker who grew up in Glasgow who insists it doesn't get better than Arran. Full disclosure though; I'll be in Scotland in June and have chosen to skip Arran in favour of heading toward Oban with the intent of a couple of days on Mull. We have a car.

Posted by
5 posts

This is so helpful. Thank you.

We are from Vancouver, Canada, and I think the ferry/train combo along with the gorgeous island atmosphere of Arran will really vibe with us. I really appreciate all of your input.

Posted by
1692 posts

Arran. You can get combined tickets from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Habour then the CalMac to Brodick. Even better if Brodick Castle is open. As said above Arran is known as Scotland in miniature for good reasons. In terms of time, look at the ferry and train timetables, and also remember there are people who live on Arran who commute to Glasgow. Depending on when you get to the ferry terminal, it is possible to watch the cars being loading on. Like a live action game of Tetris.

Posted by
2 posts

I would come down on the side of spending less time in transit from Glasgow and more time at the destination. I loved Isle of Arran. We stayed at the Ormidale Hotel and Butt Lodge, both were small B&B's that I would absolutely stay at again. If your family likes hiking, Goatfell is beautiful and the view from the top was such a payoff. Bus service around the island is regular.

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