Arran boasts an abundance of wildlife viewing spots and diverse habitats waiting to be explored. From rugged coastlines to lush forests and tranquil lochs, the island offers a myriad of opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe native species in their natural habitat. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into Arran’s top wildlife viewing spots, highlighting the best locations and species to encounter.
1. Wildlife viewing spots in Lochranza:
Nestled on the northern coast of Arran, Lochranza is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts seeking encounters with marine and terrestrial species.
Wildlife Highlights: Seal colonies can often be spotted basking on rocky outcrops near the pier, providing excellent opportunities for observation and photography. Keep your eyes peeled for red deer grazing on the surrounding hillsides, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours.
Activities: Join a wildlife boat tour departing from Lochranza Harbour to explore the waters of the Firth of Clyde and spot marine life such as dolphins, porpoises, and even basking sharks. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline and observe seabirds nesting along the cliffs.
2. Machrie Moor:
Machrie Moor, located on the western side of Arran, is renowned for its ancient standing stones and abundant wildlife.
Wildlife Highlights: Red squirrels can often be spotted darting among the heather and gorse, while birdwatchers will delight in sightings of buzzards, kestrels, and other raptors circling overhead. Look out for elusive hen harriers hunting over the moorland, especially during the breeding season.
Activities: Explore the walking trails that wind through Machrie Moor, taking time to admire the Neolithic stone circles and burial cairns that dot the landscape. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and keep a lookout for signs of otters along the nearby riverbanks.
3. Wildlife viewing in Glen Sannox:
Located on the northeastern coast of Arran, Glen Sannox offers a dramatic backdrop for wildlife observation, with its towering peaks and cascading waterfalls.
Wildlife Highlights: Red deer are commonly sighted in the glen, particularly during the rutting season in autumn when stags can be heard bellowing across the hillsides. Look out for mountain hares darting among the rocks and listen for the distinctive calls of golden eagles soaring overhead.
Activities: Embark on a hike through Glen Sannox to immerse yourself in its wild beauty, pausing to admire the rugged cliffs and tumbling waterfalls. Bring a camera to capture sightings of wildlife and scenic landscapes along the way.
4. Wildlife spots in Lagg:
Lagg, situated on the southern coast of Arran, offers a tranquil setting for birdwatching and marine mammal observation.
Wildlife Highlights: Seabird colonies nest along the cliffs overlooking the bay, with species such as fulmars, guillemots, and razorbills frequently seen during the breeding season. Offshore, common and grey seals can often be spotted basking on rocks and sandbanks, particularly at low tide.
Activities: Take a leisurely walk along the coastal path that winds around Lagg, stopping at viewpoints to scan the waters for seals and seabirds. Bring a pair of binoculars for a closer look at distant wildlife and enjoy the tranquillity of this secluded coastline. You can even pop in to the Lagg Distillery for a wee dram to wrap up the day.
5. King’s Cave and Drumadoon Point:
Located near Blackwaterfoot on the western coast of Arran, King’s Cave and Drumadoon Point offer scenic landscapes and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Wildlife Highlights: King’s Cave is a popular roosting site for bats, particularly during the summer months when they emerge at dusk to feed on insects. Look out for signs of otters along the shoreline and keep your eyes peeled for sightings of seals and seabirds offshore.
Activities: Explore the walking trails that lead to King’s Cave and Drumadoon Point, taking time to admire the rugged coastline and panoramic views. Bring a torch for bat-watching at dusk and enjoy the tranquillity of this coastal wilderness.
6. Wildlife in Corrie and Sannox Bay:
Situated on the eastern coast of Arran, Corrie and Sannox Bay offer scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife habitats.
Wildlife Highlights: Explore the shoreline and tidal pools for sightings of crabs, shellfish, and other marine creatures. Birdwatchers will delight in sightings of oystercatchers, curlews, and other waders along the coast.
Activities: Take a leisurely walk along the coastal path that connects Corrie and Sannox Bay, stopping to explore rock formations and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Bring your camera for birdwatching and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of these picturesque bays.
7. Wildlife viewing spots at Blackwaterfoot Beach:
Blackwaterfoot Beach, located on the western coast of Arran, offers sweeping views of the sea and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Wildlife Highlights: Keep an eye out for seabirds such as gulls, cormorants, and shags fishing along the shoreline. Dolphins and porpoises can sometimes be spotted offshore, particularly during the summer months.
Activities: Take a leisurely stroll along the sandy beach, exploring rock pools and enjoying views of nearby islands. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting and enjoy the tranquillity of this scenic coastline.
8. Holy Isle Marine Reserve:
The Holy Isle, located off the eastern coast of Arran, is home to a protected marine reserve teeming with wildlife.
Wildlife Highlights: Explore the rocky shores and kelp forests for sightings of marine life such as sea anemones, crabs, and starfish. Look out for seals basking on rocks and seabirds nesting on cliffs.
Activities: Join a guided boat tour or kayak excursion to explore the waters around Holy Isle and spot seals, seabirds, and other marine creatures. Snorkelling and diving are popular activities for observing underwater wildlife in the marine reserve.
9. Wildlife viewing spots in Machrie Bay:
Machrie Bay, located on the western coast of Arran, offers scenic views of the sea and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Wildlife Highlights: Explore the sandy beach and dunes for sightings of wading birds such as oystercatchers, sandpipers, and curlews. Seals can sometimes be spotted offshore, particularly at low tide.
Activities: Take a leisurely walk along the beach, exploring rock pools and enjoying views of the surrounding coastline. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this secluded bay.
10. Glen Rosa and Glenashdale Falls:
Located in the heart of Arran, Glen Rosa and Glenashdale Falls offer scenic beauty and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Wildlife Highlights: Red deer are commonly sighted in Glen Rosa, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. Look out for red squirrels and woodland birds in the forests surrounding Glenashdale Falls.
Activities: Embark on a hike through Glen Rosa to admire the rugged beauty of the glen and enjoy views of Goat Fell. Visit Glenashdale Falls to marvel at the cascading waterfall and explore the surrounding woodlands for wildlife sightings. Bring a camera to capture sightings of wildlife and scenic landscapes along the way.
11. Catacol Bay:
Catacol Bay, nestled on the western coast of Arran, offers stunning views and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Wildlife Highlights: Scan the shoreline for sightings of otters, which are known to frequent the rocky shores and seaweed-covered rocks. Birdwatchers may spot coastal species such as herons, cormorants, and eider ducks.
Activities: Take a leisurely walk along the beach, exploring tidal pools and enjoying views of the surrounding coastline. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and keep an eye out for signs of otters along the shore.
12. Wildlife viewing spots in Whiting Bay:
Whiting Bay, located on the southeastern coast of Arran offers scenic vistas and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Wildlife Highlights: Explore the rocky shoreline and sea cliffs for sightings of seabirds such as fulmars, kittiwakes, and puffins during the breeding season. Dolphins and porpoises can sometimes be spotted offshore, particularly on calm days.
Activities: Take a leisurely stroll along the coastal path that winds around Whiting Bay, stopping to enjoy panoramic views and observe wildlife. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this picturesque bay.
13. Clauchlands Point:
Clauchlands Point, situated on the eastern coast of Arran, offers scenic beauty and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Wildlife Highlights: Scan the shoreline for sightings of seabirds such as gulls, terns, and skuas, which can often be seen fishing and nesting along the coast. Seals and otters may also be spotted in the waters around Clauchlands Point.
Activities: Take a leisurely walk along the coastal path that leads to Clauchlands Point, enjoying views of the sea and surrounding landscape. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this secluded spot.
14. Giants’ Graves:
Giants’ Graves, located near Whiting Bay on the southeastern coast of Arran, offers a glimpse into the island’s ancient past and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Wildlife Highlights: Explore the heathland and woodlands surrounding Giants’ Graves for sightings of red squirrels, songbirds, and woodland creatures. Birdwatchers may spot raptors such as buzzards and kestrels soaring overhead.
Activities: Take a stroll around Giants’ Graves, admiring the ancient stone formations and enjoying views of the surrounding landscape. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and keep an eye out for signs of wildlife along the way.
15. Glen Cloy wildlife spots:
Glen Cloy, located near Brodick on the eastern coast of Arran, offers tranquil woodland walks and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Wildlife Highlights: Explore the wooded glen for sightings of red squirrels, woodland birds, and other wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of otters along the riverbanks and listen for the calls of cuckoos and woodpeckers in the trees.
Activities: Embark on a leisurely walk through Glen Cloy, following the winding paths through ancient woodlands and alongside the gentle streams. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting and enjoy the peaceful ambience of this secluded glen. I always pop in to Auchrannie Resort for a swim and a sauna afterwards, and then a swift refresher in the eighteen69 bar.
Conclusion:
Arran’s wildlife viewing spots offer a captivating glimpse into the island’s natural heritage, with opportunities to observe native species in their pristine habitat. Whether you’re exploring coastal cliffs, ancient moorland, or tranquil glens, Arran’s diverse landscapes provide an epic experience for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. So pack your binoculars and your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and embark on a journey of discovery into Arran’s wild wonders.
