Blackwaterfoot Beach by somekindofrob is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches on Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran, offers an array of beautiful beaches to suit every type of explorer. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly spots, wildlife-rich shores, or tranquil escapes, this guide will help you discover the best beaches the island has to offer. From the bustling sands of Brodick Beach to the wild beauty of Sannox Beach, each beach promises a different experience and fantastic views. Join us as we explore these coastal gems and uncover the natural beauty that makes the Isle of Arran a must-visit destination. Here are some of our favourite Arran beaches.

Brodick Beach

Subheading: Relaxation and Family Fun at Brodick Beach

Brodick Beach is one of the larger beaches on the island, in Brodick, the Arran’s main centre and adjacent to the ferry terminal. There are cafes and shops nearby with a large grassy area good for picnics. Sitting beneath Goatfell and close to Brodick Castle, Brodick beach offers some stunning views.

Parking for Brodick Beach – there is plenty of roadside parking close to the ferry terminal.

Kildonan Beach

Subheading: Wildlife Watching at Kildonan Beach

Kildonan beach is also known as Silver Sands due to its stretches of sands, I one of the loveliest beaches in Arran. Perched on the southern-most tip of Arran with panoramic views to Alisa Craig, Pladda, Ayrshire and Kintyre this is Arran’s premier beach for watching wildlife with seals often seen hauled out on the rocks most of the year. Otters make frequent appearances and, during the summer months, gannets galore plunge into the waters and basking sharks and dolphins also visit. Slightly east of the village 13^th century Kildonan Castle ruins are also worth a visit. Refreshments are available in the Kildonan Hotel, with its slightly surreal man-made stone circle, and Seal Shore Campsite close-by.

Directions to Kildonan: access the beach via the steps down from the cliff top, or by walking from nearby Kildonan Campsite to the left. Kildonan also has a small beach right by the village hall where all the locals moor their boats and is popular amongst both locals and visitors. Amenities such as cafes can be found in Kildonan village (Post code for Kildonan car park KA27 8SA: grid ref. NS 027 208).

Blackwaterfoot Beach

Subheading: Adventure and Exploration at Blackwaterfoot Beach

Blackwaterfoot beach is a lovely sandy beach and picturesque harbour in the village of Blackwaterfoot on the south west coast of the Isle of Arran. It overlooks Drumadoon Point where the remains of an Iron Age fort can be found, and the King’s Cave here was allegedly where Robert the Bruce was inspired by a spider’s  efforts to never give up. The beach offers beautiful views of the Mull of Kintyre. There are plenty of shops and cafes nearby, along with the Kinloch Hotel.

Directions to Blackfootwater Beach: From Brodick head south west on the B880; Blackfootwater car park at postcode KA27 8ES; Grid ref. NR 895 281; What3Words intelligible.mining.geese

Lamlash Beach

Whiting Bay

Subheading: Scenic Beauty and Water Sports at Whiting Bay

Whiting Bay is a large sheltered bay in the south of Arran. The village and beach have been a popular seaside resort since the late 19th century. Popular with paddle boarders, Whiting Bay has plenty of accommodation and good places to eat, with forest walks close-by,  including the woods of Glenashdale Falls, the island’s impressive waterfall. There are also great views out to Holy Island.

Directions to Whiting Bay From Brodick take the A841 south. Whiting Bay car park at post code KA27 8QH; Grid ref. NS 046 259; What3Words Outnumber.Mole.Waltzed

Sannox Beach

Subheading: Tranquil Escapes at Sannox Beach

One of our favourite beaches in Arran, the curved, sandy Sannox beach is backed by the mountains of the Goatfell Range.

Directions to Sannox Beach: Park alongside the A841 in South Sannox (post code KA27 8JD; Grid ref. NS016454; What3Words airfields.sonic.pastels) and walk to the north end of the gravel area. Follow the path over the river using the stepping stones over Sannox Burn and continue for 5 minutes to the beach.

There is a further beach at North Sannox, a wild beach with a flat grass area and access to two intriguing coastal forest trails to explore. You can wander through woodland next to the shore on an easy level track looking out towards Bute, or climb high through the trees to see stunning views over the Sleeping Warrior and the north end of Arran.

Directions to North Sannox Beach: leave the A841 just north of South Sannox, follow the lane signed towards ‘Sannox North Picnic Area’ and car park – postcode KA27 8JD; Grid ref. NS014465; What3Words twinkling.waltzed.inclined

Pirnmill Beach

Subheading: Unspoiled Beauty at Pirnmill Beach

The beautiful Pirnmill beach is in the small village of Pirnmill close to Lochranza on the north-west coast of the Arran. Pirnmill’s name is taken from a mill which produced wooden bobbins (pirns). Great food and views in the nearby Lighthouse restaurant. As well as the beach there are plenty of lovely walks closeby.

Lamlash Beach

Subheading: Historical Charm and Views of Holy Isle at Lamlash Beach

Lamlash beach is located on the east coast of Arran between Brodick and Whiting Bay and faces the beautiful and fascinating Holy Isle, which can be accessed via boat trips from the village. Sheltered, it’s popular for swimming and paddle sports, and is also excellent for snorkelling in this ‘no take zone’ with its beautiful underwater scenery.

Directions to Lamlash beach: A481 south of Brodick. There are several carparks along the coast, postcode KA27 8JH.

Kilmory Beach

Sub-heading: Wild and sandy with fabulous views across the Firth of Clyde

A fabulous sandy bay where you can swim in the clear waters and enjoy views out across the Sound of Jura and over to the distinctive conical island of Ailsa Craig, accessed via a small island lane.

Directions to Kilmory beach: From Brodich take the A481 south, and continue around the southern tip of Arran to the village of Kilmory. From the carpark near Kilmory village hall (Post code KA27 8PQ; Grid ref. NR 956 214; What3Words sinkhole.replaces.blazed) follow the footpath signed Torrylin Cairn alongside Torrylin Water to reach the beach.

Conclusion

From family-friendly beaches, watersports, and wildlife spotting to wild beaches, ancient ruins and great walks the beaches on Arran are very diverse and offer something for everyone.