The year 2026 has promised to bring a slate of new travel trends, and one of our favourites is ‘radical remoteness.’
Slipping into the ‘quietcation’ camp, it’s all about isolation, rugged landscapes, and slower, more intentional travel.
Recent research from TripAdvisor has found that the Isle of Arran in Scotland is officially the UK’s best island — and for travellers looking to get away from the stresses of modern life, it ticks all the boxes.
Sometimes called ‘Scotland in Miniature,’ beautiful Arran is home to charming villages, dramatic peaks, and breathtaking coastlines, glens, and waterfalls.
With ancient history and famous local produce to boot, it’s got all the ingredients for a peaceful getaway.
Here’s everything you should check out on the island, which became a UNESCO Global Geopark in April 2025. Perfect timing.
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Into nature
Located in the Firth of Clyde, off the west coast of central Scotland, Arran boasts a blend of Highland (north) and Lowland (south) landscapes.
In the north, craggy mountains and towering rock faces create a wild, movie-like atmosphere. Granite peaks like Goatfell (the highest mountain on the Isle of Arran) offer challenging hikes with spectacular, panoramic views of the island.
The mountain, which towers at almost 900 metres, is owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The trust maintains footpaths and cares for the surrounding environment, ensuring visitors and locals can enjoy the 6-hour trek safely and long into the future.
Arran has three other Corbetts: Cir Mhor, Caisteal Abhail and Beinn Tarsuinn. These are mountains in Scotland, between 2500 and 3000 feet high.
Walk Highlands shares information about the safest routes, alongside their lengths and difficulty.
Head south and you’ll find softer, lusher scenery, with golden beaches, ancient woodlands and waterfalls that evoke a mystical feel.
Kildonan and Blackwaterfoot are some of the most beautiful stretches of coast. The former features Silver Sands Beach, which can sometimes appear pink due to light or shell fragments. The latter shares its coastline with seals, dolphins, and porpoises, making it the perfect spot for wildlife watching.
Meanwhile, Glenashdale Forest is home to Glenashdale Falls, Arran’s most famous — and tallest — double waterfall, and ideal for all types of holidaymakers.
Hikers, take on the forest walk, which also includes the ancient Giant’s Graves, aka the remains of two Neolithic chambered tombs.
Wildlife lovers, take your notepad and count how many red squirrels you spot.
In the summer, take a refreshing dip in one of the many natural pools in the area.
Ancient history
There’s much more to Arran’s history than Giant’s Graves.
The island has been home to everyone from the Neolithic people to Norse Vikings to Scottish clans.
Lochranza is a picturesque village in the north that sits on a sea loch. The main attraction is Lochranza Castle, a 16th-century fortified tower house. The ruined castle has significant links to Robert the Bruce, who is believed to have landed there in 1306 to begin his campaign to become King of Scots.
The archaeological landscape of Machrie Moor features Bronze Age monuments dating from around 3500 to 1500 BC. These include stone and hut circles, burial cairns, and standing stones.
At the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum, which closes during winter but opens seasonally from March, you’ll be transported back into traditional island life.
For £5, visitors can explore social history, archaeology, geology, and genealogy, whether that’s visiting a 19th-century original farmhouse or tracing family history with the museum’s two experienced genealogists.
Food and drink
A trip to Arran is also a treat for the tastebuds — it is known as ‘Scotland’s Food Isle,’ after all.
The island is renowned for its local produce, including oatcakes, cheese, ice cream, and of course, its whisky.
While you’re in Lochranza, head to the distillery for tours and tastings (£22.50), where you’ll get insider info about the process behind their award-winning single malt.
Lagg Distillery in the south does things a bit differently. They combine contemporary and traditional production methods, and offer immersive experiences where you can learn about the ‘misadventures of Arran’s smuggling past.’
In Brodick, the main port and hub of the island, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs, serving everything from fresh seafood to quality beef and lamb.
For foodies looking to get a real feel (and taste) of the island, Arran’s Food Journey shares the best places to eat, along with tales about the island’s food history.
How to get to the Isle of Arran and best time to go
Arran is one of Scotland’s largest and most accessible islands, meaning you can enjoy the back-to-nature vibes without the arduous journey.
From London, drive or take the train to Glasgow. Quite fittingly, Lumo, the all-electric rail service, recently launched its new low-fare London to Glasgow route.
Otherwise known as the ‘Ryanair of trains,’ there are two northbound services between London King’s Cross and Glasgow Queen Street on weekdays. They depart at 12.14pm and 2.15pm.
On Sundays, there is just one service, with the southbound scheduled to depart at 9.22am and the northbound at 4.13pm. One-way tickets average at £37, with a journey time of 5 hours and 26 minutes.
From Glasgow Central, there is a direct and frequent train service to Ardrossan and Troon harbours, where a bus link will take you to the port.
From Ardrossan, take a 55-minute ferry to Brodick. Tickets cost £5.10.
What’s the weather like?
Fact check: if you’re a sun worshipper, the Isle of Arran might not be for you. However, it is ideal for travellers who love adventure and sightseeing, whatever the weather.
In Arran, the summers tend to be cool and windy, with average highs of
17°C. In contrast, the winters are cold, wet and windy, with highs of
6°C
