Activities
As well as relaxing, enjoying the views, whilst the kids play in the playpark, sandpit and basketball hoop on site, there are lots of things to do and see on our beautiful island. Visit Arran 's website is a very good place to start to see what there is to do on the Isle of Arran. They also publish an Island Guide, this can be viewed by clicking the link or pick up a paper copy around the island or on the ferry.
On our doorstep, you have miles of Forestry track in Shedog Forest, which is up the hill from our site entrance gate, this is still currently being logged so please take note of any warning signs. Along the bottom track, past the toilet blocks, we have the Clachan Church which is well worth a wander along to soak up the history and atmosphere. It looks a bit different today from back when this photo was taken.
The Isle of Arran, like the rest of Scotland, has a wealth of wildlife, we have Scotland's Big 5 Red Squirrels, Harbour seals, Golden Eagles, Red Deer and Otter all on Arran, so keep your eyes open whilst you are out and about around the island. If you are lucky you will see Red Squirrels on site as they run through the gardens from the Shedog woods (west of the site).
Walks
Arran Forest Walks are a great place to see wildlife, as well as Shedog Forest up the track from us we have many Forests on Arran. Arran Access Trust maintains a lot of the footpaths and walks around the island, please consider donating to help maintain these footpaths as they are free for everyone to walk.
A short drive from us you have King's Caves where Robert Bruce saw a spider , possibly, as there are several caves where this might have happened around Scotland. Take a torch with you to inspect the graffiti carved into the walls of the cave, some of it is very old.
Brodick Castle Miles of woodland trails around a perfect Scottish castle and the start of the hill path to Goatfell.
Dyemill Forest follow a rushing stream through fresh, green, native woodland and find evidence of past peoples wherever you go.
Glenrickard Forest you can walk here from the ferry for scampering red squirrels, ancient standing stones and superb views of Goatfell.
North Sannox Forest you can choose between an easy walk by the sea or a rewarding climb through the forest - the views from both are breathtaking.
South End Forestry you can hang out over Glenashdale Falls, think big at the Giant's Graves and then cycle for miles through gorgeous native woodland.
Blackwaterfoot Beach is 3miles from Bridgend Campsite, you can walk along it, play in the sand with buckets and spades or enjoy the rock pools looking for sea urchins, prawns and many other creatures.
Machrie Standing Stones on Machrie Moor can be seen from the campsite, it is a short drive (please do not attempt to walk to it via Balmichael, it is not safe) to the car park and then a relatively easy walk along a track through farmland (dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and poo picked up as it is a working sheep farm).
Why not mix a walk with geology, take a look at Arran Geo Park and find out about the geology of Arran. There is also a wealth of information at Arran Heritage Museum. Geology students from all over the world come to Arran to study the geology of the island.
If you are a serious walker/ hiker you may like to consider Arran Coastal Way (or just dip in and out of it). Goatfell is a must but please check the weather forecast and prepare yourself properly and let us or someone know when to expect you back.
Guided walks are offered by National Trust for Scotland, Arran Wild Walks, Arran Mountain Festival, Walk Arran, Arran Sea to Summit. The Mountain Men set up camp for you on our site and operate organised routes around Arran.
This is just a small number of walks, there are whole books written that don't cover all the walks on Arran; it's well worth investing in an OS map and looking up many blogs written about the walks.
Castles
Brodick Castle is a National Trust for Scotland property, the grounds, the castle and children's play area are well worth a visit. The Rangers have lots of activities on throughout the summer season.
Lochranza Castle, although a ruin, it is maintained by Scottish Heritage to prevent any further decay. It is well worth a visit and a wander around when the gate is open, let your imagination wander back to times long ago.
Kildonan Castle can be viewed from the beach, or a short walk from the parking area above the beach, please see map in the above link. Silver Sands ,the beach below the castle, is well worth a visit.
Do you fancy a drink? Or something to eat?
Blackwaterfoot is the nearest place, it has 2 establishments where you can get a pint or something nice to eat: Kinloch Hotel and Blackwaterfoot Lodge. There is also The Tee Room and Crow's Nest Restaurant where you can get a cup of tea and cake or a lovely evening meal. There are lots of cafes, bars, hotels and bistros around the island, we are very spoilt as they are all so good.
Cafes/Bistros
Made in Arran Tea Room 01770600384
If you want to see your drink being made or get some to take home why not visit these 4 establishments.
Shopping
In Blackwaterfoot, we are very lucky as we have some excellent shops that cover all the basics, starting with Blackwaterfoot Garage for MOT, service and repairs as well as Bottle Gas, Petrol and Diesel. Camerons for groceries and the post office. Next door is the hairdressers Brae Salon where Alice can give you a quick trim or something fancy for a wedding. Then we have On a Roll for a bacon butty and a coffee. Round the corner before the Kinloch Hotel, follow your nose to Blackwaterfoot Bakehouse for delicious artisan breads. Crossing the bridge over the mouth of The Blackwater River, you have the The Harbour Shop for your newspapers, sweeties, bucket and spade and lots more. Next to it you have The Arran Butcher where you can get your sausages and burgers for the BBQ or yummy Haggis. Further along at the Shiskine Golf Club you have the Pro Shop where you can get your golfing equipment and clothing.
We don't have lots of shops on Arran so sometimes you have to think outside the box and look at a different way of shopping like Arran Open Studios and the Arran Arts Trail. It gets you exploring the island and meeting the artists and craftworkers, whilst finding something unique to take home. Most shops are in Brodick Coop (you can order food for delivery or collection via shop.coop.co.uk, delivery is a Saturday anytime from 3pm to 6pm for KA27 8EN, select 1 Bridgend Cottages and in notes to driver state campsite and your pitch number), Arran Active , Old Byre (however it's main shop is in Machrie), Inspirations Of Arran, Ad Astra (formerly Castle Bay Studios), Brodick Pharmacy, Driftwood, James Chocolate Shop, Arran Cheese Shop. There's also shops in Lamlash and Whiting Bay villages, from gift shops to grocery stores.
Time with Animals
This a working farm at Blackwaterfoot, it is well worth a visit for kids and adults to find out about the animals, machinery and wildlife on a farm.
How cute are they, you know you want to take them for a walk. It is a brilliant experience and only a 15 minute walk from the campsite.
Along in Blackwaterfoot you can go for a pony trek along the beach and enjoy the beautiful views across to Kintyre.
You can get to ride a pony up in the mountains of northern Arran, amongst some dramatic scenery.
Golf Clubs
Arran certainly wouldn't be Scotland in miniature without a few golf courses, how about 7 of them. You can purchase a special Golf Pass to play all 7. In order of distance from the Campsite you have Shiskine Golf and Tennis Club , Machrie Bay Golf Club , Brodick Golf Club , Lamlash Golf Club , Corrie Golf Club , Whiting Bay Golf Club , Lochranza Golf Club .
Adventure Tourism
Arran is a perfect place for it, from mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, hillwalking, gorge walking and much more. Listed below are some links to various businesses and guides where you can get an adrenalin buzz.
Mountain Biking:
Trailforks mountain bike trails
Ride Arran guided mountain biking
Kayak Arran kayaking.
Otters Tail they offer Kayaking, hill walking and gorge walking.
Arran Outdoor Centre sailing, gorge walking, hillwalking and many other activities.
Lochranza Outdoor Centre kayaking, gorge walking, abseiling, lots more activities, well worth a look.
Arran Adventure Archery, Segways, bike hire.
Bad Weather
It's Scotland, we don't always get wall to wall sunshine, so what to do on a wet day, other than play board and card games? We recommend finding out about the history of Arran. As well as Brodick Castle, we have Arran Heritage Museum which is a very affordable day out. They have sheets to keep the kids amused to help them find out about things around the museum.
There's a swimming pool open to the public in Brodick the Auchrannie has leisure facilities, a spa and The Playbarn softplay centre.
You could also sit in one of the many cafes, enjoying a hot drink and slice of cake, watching the rain fall outside.
Medical Facilities
We are very fortunate on the island to have an excellent GP service, should you require whilst on holiday Arran Medical Group 01770 600516. The GPs run Arran War Memorial Hospital at Lamlash. It has an A&E service and we have an Ambulance service with Paramedics, which is reached via 999. For urgent medical attention, that is not life threatening or an emergency, outside of medical practice hours you should call 111 for NHS24.
Emergency NHS Dentist is accessed via NHS Inform 01770 601067, it is based at Arran War Memorial Hospital, Lamlash.
Arran Vets are in Brodick, should your pet take ill 01770 302511.
Religion
St Molios Church is Church of Scotland and it is in Shiskine.
Holy Cross Church is Roman Catholic and it is in Brodick.
Arran Baptist Church meets at the Ormidale Pavilion in Brodick.
Holy Isle Buddhist retreats.