Brodick is the main village on the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland. The village lies halfway along the eastern side of the island, where it overlooks Brodick Bay and Goatfell. Although it’s best known for its ferry port, Brodick is also a popular tourist destination in its own right thanks to its wide golden beaches, thick surrounding forests, historic castle, and family-friendly attractions.
Overview
For many people arriving on the Isle of Arran, the coastal village of Brodick is the first place they visit due to the Calmac ferry terminal on the eastern end of the high street. Ferries arrive every hour for 12 hours each day from Ardrossan on the mainland, making Brodick one of the busiest villages on Scotland’s west coast, with thousands of holidaymakers using the port for day trips.
The picturesque village lies midway along the eastern edge of Arran, where it overlooks some of the best views on the island, with the dramatic peaks of Goatfell rising into the sky to the north and the deep blue waters of Brodick Bay and the Firth of Clyde to the east.
Wide, golden beaches ring the shoreline where it faces the bay, and dense, lush woodlands cover the hills to the west, so it’s fair to say this pretty village isn’t short of places to explore.
Once on the main road, you’ll find yourself in the centre of Brodick, with a few pubs and restaurants, a supermarket, and various shops within a few hundred feet of each other. However, the main attraction is the bay, where you’ll catch glimpses of Brodick Castle through the surrounding forest.
Foot passengers will be pleased to know the village centre is only a short walk from the ferry, and drivers will find a reasonably large parking area on the seaward side of the high street. Combined with the fact that the sail from Ardrossan takes less than one hour, the village makes a great destination for day trippers.
Anyone looking to spend longer on the island can stock up on supplies at the village’s supermarkets before moving on, or they can head to the Arran Coastal Way which starts at the opposite end of the village. Alternatively, they could turn left from the ferry terminal and head to Lamlash Bay and Holy Isle which are 4 miles to the south.
The Highlights
1: It’s incredibly easy to get to Arran thanks to the regular Brodick to Ardrossan ferry that operates between the mainland and the island, making it a perfect destination for a quick island getaway. Foot passengers can buy return ferry tickets for around £10.
2: Brodick is within walking distance of Brodick Castle, and you could probably climb to the top of Goatfell and back in a single day if you have a decent level of fitness. Cyclists can make use of the ring road for an enjoyable ride that takes around 3-6 hours depending on fitness and stops.
3: Brodick Bay is glorious on a sunny summer’s day. If you have a boat, you’ll have a great time on the open water, or if you prefer to stay on land, you can simply enjoy the seaside atmosphere on the beach.
Visiting Tips
1: The only downside to Brodick is that it’s a bit of a victim of its own success so it’s a very busy place in peak season. Maybe book outside the main tourist dates (i.e. when the kids are back at school) if you want a more relaxing visit.
2: If you want to explore as much of Brodick as possible, take a bicycle with you or hire one from the rental shops on the high street. Arran Bike Hire has everything from mountain bikes to electric bikes, with prices that range from around a tenner for 2 hours (hybrid bike) to £250 for an entire week (E-bike).
3: If you’d like to spend a few days on Arran, the village makes a great base to explore the island. The A841 runs through Brodick to the north and south, and you’ll also find the junction for the B880 (otherwise known as ‘The String’) a short distance from the Arran Heritage Museum.
The String is the only road that cuts right across Arran from east to west, so if you can base yourself near it, you’ll have easy access to all parts of the island.
Tourist Information
I spent a week on Arran in 2020, and what struck me most about Brodick is its superb location. Not only is it a great place to spend a day, but due to its position midway along the eastern side of the island, it makes a perfect base for a holiday.
The A841 circles Arran almost completely along its coastline, so whether it’s the amazing coastal road at Lochranza that piques your interest or the exciting mountain bike trails of Arran’s forests in the south, Brodick offers an easy-to-access starting point. The Arran Coastal Way was one of the highlights of my visit and I thoroughly recommend it if you visit the island on a bike, but you can also complete part of it on foot as the route begins on the edge of Brodick Bay.
To find the starting point, follow Brodick High Street for half a mile from the ferry terminal till you reach a small road heading between a mini market and a bowling green, which narrows down to a rough path. This path, Fisherman’s Walk, pretty much follows the entire length of the bay before heading slightly inland in the direction of Brodick Castle.
It’s not a particularly long route at around 2 miles but it took me nearly two hours to get there purely because I kept stopping to soak up that gorgeous view.
Brodick Bay is wide and shallow so it would be a good place to go for a swim but what I ended up doing a few days later was hiring a kayak in Brodick and paddling along the coastline. Because the bay is so sheltered you’ll find it easygoing, but be aware that once you reach the section near the castle it gets a little choppier as there’s no protection from the Firth of Clyde.
If you’d rather stick to the footpath, I suggest following Fisherman’s Walk north till it returns to the A841. From that point, you’ll find The Wineport (a good pub/restaurant), which has a brewery behind it that sells a selection of craft ales. You then have a few options from The Wineport depending on how long you have on the island.
You could take a one-mile walk to Brodick Castle, or head south and follow the road past the Arran Aromatics outlet.
This company has become something of a byword for natural health and beauty products, and they have a shop that sells their entire line of products, along with a superb café and a hand-made Arran cheese store on either side. If nothing else, I recommend stopping by just to get a few souvenirs for friends and family.
You can continue along the A841 which will eventually take you back to Brodick High Street or you can take a shortcut alongside a golf course that rejoins Fisherman’s Walk.
Either option is good, but if you stick to the A841, you’ll be able to visit the Arran Heritage Museum which is a nice tourist attraction that showcases the island’s rich history with a vintage farm and lots of local exhibits. It’s much bigger inside than it looks from the roadside, and it’s definitely worth visiting if you ever find yourself stuck for something to do.
Most of the other activities in Brodick are centred around the bay, where you’ll find pontoons for mooring boats (it’s a very popular stop-over for sailing boats in the Firth of Clyde), an 18-hole golf course, and a putting green, and there are also pubs and restaurants that feature outside seating areas overlooking the sea.
Things to Do
Hike Goatfell: Climb the highest peak in Arran, Goatfell. It’s a challenging yet rewarding trek to the top, offering panoramic views of the island and beyond. Pack a picnic to enjoy along the way and don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views.
Explore Arran Aromatics: A trip to Arran isn’t complete without a visit to this famous cosmetics brand. See the production facility, discover the origins of their natural, locally sourced ingredients, and indulge in some shopping at their flagship store which offers an array of fragrant bath and body products. Click here to buy Arran Scents of Scotland products online.
Walk the Brodick Coastal Path: Enjoy a gentle stroll along the coastal path, taking in the fresh sea air, watching local wildlife, and absorbing the scenic views of Brodick Bay. The path winds its way along the coastline and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling village centre.
Discover History at the Heritage Museum: The Arran Heritage Museum features displays and artefacts that showcase the island’s strong associations with fishing and farming. See farming tools and machinery used in a bygone era, trace your family history, and round off the visit with a meal in the on-site cafe.
Visit Brodick Castle: This National Trust property is a must-see. The imposing castle, set against the backdrop of the Firth of Clyde, is steeped in history. Explore the beautiful interiors, relax in the lush gardens, let the kids loose in the playpark, and relax with a meal in the on-site cafe.
Things to Do Near Brodick
The Arran Coastal Way. Auchrannie Rd, Brodick, Isle of Arran KA27 8BZ. 1-minute walk.
A walking and cycling trail that circles the entire coastline of Arran. The main starting point begins on Brodick beachfront.
Brodick Castle. Brodick, Isle of Arran KA27 8HY. 7-minute drive.
A 19th-century castle in a Scottish baronial style that is surrounded by extensive formal gardens. The castle and grounds are open for self-guided tours.
Arran Heritage Museum. Isle of Arran KA27 8DP. 15-minute walk.
A museum with exhibits that explain the history of Arran, its agriculture and its geology. Features a vintage farm, gift shop and a café.
Arran Brewery. Cladach, Isle of Arran, Brodick KA27 8DE. 5-minute drive.
Arran’s only brewery offers beer-tasting experiences as well as brewery tours. All beers are sold in the on-site shop. The brewery building is located at the start point of the Goatfell mountain walk.
Brodick Bay beach. Brodick, Isle of Arran KA27 8BZ. 1-minute walk.
Brodick Bay is a wide, sweeping bay that offers water sports activities and a golden sand beach. The beach is within easy walking distance of the Brodick ferry terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brodick a town?
Brodick is a village on the Isle of Arran, which lies on the west coast of Scotland in the Firth of Clyde. Brodick is the main settlement on the island, though Lamlash has a larger population.
What is the population of Brodick?
From the 2001 census, Brodick had 621 inhabitants. Arran as a whole has around 4,000 permanent residents.
What is the meaning of ‘Brodick’?
The name is derived from the Norse ‘breda-vick’ meaning ‘Broad Bay’.
What is the main town on Arran?
The main settlement on the Isle of Arran is Brodick which is a village situated on the east coast of the island. Brodick is the main entry point for tourists due to the ferry terminal which links the island to Ardrossan on the mainland.
