Camping in Isle of Arran

Arran's terrain makes for varied camping, from level, sheltered pitches close to sandy beaches in the south to more exposed sites in the shadow of the northern hills. Ground tends to be well drained but can turn soft after heavy rain, and the island's Atlantic-facing coast means wind off the sea is a bigger factor for tent campers than in more sheltered inland spots, so a sturdy tent and secure pegging matter more here than on a typical Lowland site. Scotland's right to roam extends to wild camping on open hill and moorland, and it is legally permitted across most of Arran away from the small exclusion zone around Lochranza and Brodick introduced to manage popular spots such as Glen Rosa, provided campers follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code on group size, fires and waste.

For those after a proper pitch rather than a wild one, the island has a small number of established sites offering electric hook-up, showers and, in some cases, glamping alternatives for anyone put off by the forecast. May, June and September tend to bring the most settled weather and the best combination of long daylight and manageable midge numbers, while July and August are busiest and warmest but also the peak season for midges in still, humid conditions inland. Winter camping on Arran is possible but limited, since several sites close over the off-season and the exposed northern half of the island can see genuinely severe weather rolling in off the Firth of Clyde.