The Isle of Arran is easier to reach than most people expect — and the journey there is half the adventure.
The Isle of Arran lies 14 miles off the west coast of Scotland, warmed by the Gulf Stream and cradled from the full force of the Atlantic by the Mull of Kintyre. With mountains rising to almost 3,000 feet straight from the sea, Arran has long been called "Scotland in miniature".
The island is easily reached by car ferry — either via the short crossing from Kintyre into Lochranza to the north, or via the main ferry from Ardrossan Harbour on Scotland's Ayrshire coast into Brodick.
Ardrossan itself is just an hour's drive — or a direct train journey — from Glasgow. From the ferry terminal at Brodick, Woodside Cottage is approximately 30 minutes' drive north along the coast road.
Drive to Ardrossan Harbour, Ayrshire (1 hour from Glasgow via A71 or A77)
CalMac ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick — approx. 55 minutes
From Brodick, take the A841 coast road north approximately 30 minutes
Woodside Cottage is in Glen Sannox — KA27 8JD
Booking the ferry in advance is strongly recommended, especially in summer.
Direct ScotRail trains from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour station
The station is a short walk from the ferry terminal
CalMac ferry to Brodick — approx. 55 minutes
Local taxi or bus northward from Brodick
The train from Glasgow takes about 50 minutes. A lovely car-free option.
Fly into Glasgow International or Glasgow Prestwick airports
From Glasgow Airport: hire car or taxi to Ardrossan (~1 hr)
From Prestwick: train to Ardrossan Harbour (~45 mins)
CalMac ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick
Both airports have good links to the mainland ferry ports.
Woodside Cottage · Glen Sannox · Isle of Arran · KA27 8JD