The Incredible Isle of Arran
Posted on: September 3, 2021
- In: animals | History | Travel | Writing
- 116 Comments
I finally got away for a few days! I was fortunate to visit the Isle of Arran, in Scotland. The island is a magical place with lovely beaches, manor houses, castles, old churches, standing stones, charming coffee shops, art galleries and lots of sheep. There is a story around every corner. I went to meet writer friends, do some writing and chill. I did all of that and more. I expected rain and got sunshine. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of how wonderful Arran Island is.
It was a wonderful getaway, just what I needed. I returned home inspired.
Now I’m getting ready to go back to Canada, to see my family after two long years.
Note: Most of the pictures are mine but a couple may or may not have been taken by a writer friend who knows I like sheep.
116 Responses to "The Incredible Isle of Arran"
September 3, 2021 at 7:50 am
Fantastic! It looks like a lovely place. I don’t think I would get much writing done.
September 3, 2021 at 7:57 am
It was tempting to spend all my time exploring but I did manage to do some writing as it was very peaceful.
September 3, 2021 at 8:02 am
I was just looking at a few of your other posts. Medicine Hat is a great place to come from! We live in Regina, so go through it on our way to Calgary or BC. and have spent a few days there.
September 3, 2021 at 8:04 am
It is a good place to come from. I’m pleased you found my blog.
September 3, 2021 at 8:47 am
That was my thought as well! I’d be too busy looking at the scenery to write.
September 3, 2021 at 8:48 am
What an incredibly beautiful place!
September 3, 2021 at 11:29 pm
It was amazing and we really lucked out with the weather.
September 4, 2021 at 11:28 am
Good weather does tend to make a big difference! (In all my pre-trip fantasizing, the sun is always shining in a bright blue sky.)
September 3, 2021 at 8:54 am
Nothing wrong with this trip. Love the stones and the dog!
September 3, 2021 at 11:30 pm
It was the perfect getaway. Seeing the standing stones was a special treat.
September 3, 2021 at 9:02 am
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
September 3, 2021 at 9:04 am
How wonderful! Congratulations to this very beautiful vacancy, Darlene! Scotland always is worth a visit. Have you seen any ghosts, in this old manor? 😉 Best wishes, Michael
September 3, 2021 at 11:31 pm
Thanks so much, Michael. I didn’t see any ghosts but I’m sure there are some. I can always make some up!! n Thanks for reblogging. xo
September 4, 2021 at 2:15 am
Thank you for sharing these great experiences, Darlene. Oh, maybe the ghosts will visit you some time later. Lol Have a beautiful weekend! xx Michael
September 3, 2021 at 9:06 am
What a beautiful place for a retreat! Like others, I’m surprised you managed any writing amidst all those distractions 😊🐑
September 3, 2021 at 11:32 pm
I did find some quiet corners in which to write. I must admit I didn’t write as much as I planned to but I collected some great ideas.
September 3, 2021 at 10:22 am
Whoa, what an amazing place, especially to write. And such a cute doggo too. I’m envious of your trip now. Thanks for sharing!
September 3, 2021 at 11:33 pm
It was the perfect place to write. Having a dog around was special as I missed mine.
September 3, 2021 at 10:24 am
Beautiful site to see..thanks for sharing this info and photos. Take care Anita
September 3, 2021 at 11:01 am
Thanks for the tour. Scotland is on my bucket list.
September 3, 2021 at 11:34 pm
You will just love it when you get there. XO
September 4, 2021 at 12:42 am
Thanks, Darlene. I feel an ancestral memory pulling me there. Every time I hear bagpipes I get the chills.
September 3, 2021 at 11:56 am
Thank you so much for sharing…I love sheep too, Darlene it looks like such a beautiful place it looks so peaceful. 🙂 x
September 3, 2021 at 11:36 pm
Another sheep lover. We didn’t have them on our farm/cattle ranch, so for me, they are something different. They look so cuddly. It was very peaceful.
September 3, 2021 at 11:44 pm
Yes, sheep are so cuddly my sister had sheep a few years ago but she doesn’t farm any longer now 🙂 x
September 3, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Looks like the ideal spot for some writing inspiration.
September 3, 2021 at 11:37 pm
It was ideal and I found inspiration, even though I was somewhat distracted by all the sights.
September 3, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Lovely pictures. Thank you for sharing. The Isle looks idyllic!
September 3, 2021 at 2:23 pm
What a wonderful adventure. Expecting rain and getting sunshine, time to write, time for friends to meet, beach walks, great views, chocolate cake = perfect!
September 3, 2021 at 2:23 pm
It looks like a wonderful place, and inspirational for writing!
September 3, 2021 at 11:38 pm
It was perfect. Surprisingly it felt similar to some of the Westcoast islands.
September 3, 2021 at 5:29 pm
❤️❤️ lovely post, Darlene, that sums up the trip perfectly 😁
September 3, 2021 at 11:39 pm
Glad you like it! Great memories. Hope we can do it again one day. xo
September 3, 2021 at 5:52 pm
Was Arran warned. Having seen who the other participants were I’m not sure somewhere so quaint is set up to cope with the outpouring of goodwill and enthusiasm! Great weather mind. When it’s that benign Scotland is delightful and you can almost rationalise why the kilt was invented there. Other times it does seem to be an example of collective patriarchal madness.
September 4, 2021 at 12:56 am
No worries, Arran Island survived the Fearsome Foursome! I do like a man in a kilt, not that I saw any this time around.
September 4, 2021 at 4:57 am
As long as he’s not garotting a gnu… sorry asphyxiating the bagpipes… if there’s a worse misnomer than calling those dirge-bags a musical instrument I don’t know what it is.
September 3, 2021 at 5:56 pm
Absolutely wonderful and peaceful. I do love the place you stayed, so tempting to just stay. Arran is a beautiful and enticing island. I have visited and was also most enchanted.
Miriam
September 3, 2021 at 7:35 pm
Bucketfuls of inspiration, such a beautiful place!
September 3, 2021 at 8:14 pm
Looks fabulous. Great skies.
September 4, 2021 at 12:58 am
We were so lucky with the weather. But I would have loved it even in rain.
September 3, 2021 at 9:20 pm
Such a beautiful place Darlene and you are looking so relaxed. I am glad the sun was shining for you 😀
My husband is Scottish and we visit family in Edinburgh regularly, but we are yet to explore further.
September 4, 2021 at 1:00 am
I would love to visit some of the other Scottish Isles as well. But this was the perfect one to start with. I’ve not been to Edinburgh, yet.
September 3, 2021 at 9:47 pm
Looks lovely. I’ve never been there.
September 4, 2021 at 1:00 am
There is something about an island. Well, you know all about that.
September 3, 2021 at 11:03 pm
It really is an enchanted island, isn’t it 🙂 Great post, Darlene.
September 4, 2021 at 1:01 am
Thanks so much, Mary. Was so great to spend time with you there. Glad you liked the post.
September 3, 2021 at 11:32 pm
Beautiful! I was almost able to breathe with ease again after viewing these photos. Peaceful and inspiring.
September 4, 2021 at 3:47 am
omg — how lovely in every way — but now I can’t stop wanting a slice of that cake 🙂
September 4, 2021 at 4:21 am
Hi Darlene, I saw some of your pictures on Instagram. What a wonderful place to visit and what a splendid idea for a holiday; a writing retreat.
September 4, 2021 at 4:27 am
It fell into place perfectly, although travelling now is a hassle with tests to take and forms to fill out etc. Glad I bit the bullet and went anyway.
September 4, 2021 at 7:20 am
It seems like such a long time ago that you were able to travel anywhere. So refreshing to see new scenery and architecture. I will probably never visit the Isle of Arran, but I am curious about the Isle of Skye because it is the middle name of my only grand-daughter.
Thanks for the travelogue! 🙂
September 4, 2021 at 7:25 am
All the Scottish Islands are enchanting. I was so lucky to visit Arran and would love to visit others. Skye is such a lovely name.
September 4, 2021 at 10:08 am
How wonderful to have spent time off the Isle of Arran. I love Scotland, the call of the bagpipes, the sounds of the Gaelic language, the weaving, the poetry – but most of all the welcome that visitors receive.
September 4, 2021 at 5:01 pm
There is something about Scotland that makes you feel at home. I was treated very well while there. I am so glad I had this opportunity.
September 4, 2021 at 9:12 pm
Darlene, I’m so happy you had a wonderful time in Arran. I visited there many years ago and fell instantly in love with the island, its peace, beauty and its friendly people! You are brimming with joy and contentment. It’s great you had a chance to meet fellow writers as well! Have a most wonderful time being back in Canada with your family – it’s been (is) a most difficult, stressful and uncertain time of separation. xx
September 4, 2021 at 9:41 pm
Thanks, Annika. I am so looking forward to my trip back home. It’s been two years since I’ve seen my family.
September 4, 2021 at 9:30 pm
Oh, looks fabulous Darlene. Looks like you had a fabulous trip. I’m going up to Scotland soon to see my family. This coming Friday is my last week at work! Officially now retired and ready for a new life! Lots of work to do for our move abroad. More about that soon. x
September 4, 2021 at 9:43 pm
Thanks, Marje. A move abroad!! I can´t wait to hear more. It is a lot of work but always worth it. Congrats on your retirement.
September 4, 2021 at 10:20 pm
Thanks hubby and I taking early retirement. Very excited for new adventures and writing times. x
September 5, 2021 at 12:09 am
Dear Darlene
We love Arran as well very much, the landscape, the whisky and everything 🙂 🙂
Great to remind us that we have to go there again soon.
All the best and thanks for sharing
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
September 5, 2021 at 12:50 am
I believe it is one of those places that once you have been there, you will always want to return. 😎
September 5, 2021 at 12:20 am
It’s on my bucket list. I would be inspired there too.
September 5, 2021 at 12:42 am
Absolutely wonderful Darlene and I am sure you went home completely refreshed.. how exciting to be heading to Canada to see your family.. hugsx
September 5, 2021 at 12:51 am
I did return refreshed. Now on to the next adventure.
September 5, 2021 at 3:21 am
Great… something to look forward to..♥
September 5, 2021 at 4:38 am
I could happily make a home there! Beautiful photos, Darlene. I bet your family is thrilled that you’re coming home 🙂
September 5, 2021 at 7:14 am
Yes, you could. It had the same island feel the Gulf Islands have. I am so excited about seeing the family!
September 6, 2021 at 12:13 am
Darlene, this looks and sounds like a dream vacation! I’m so glad it was good weather for you. I could happily move right over. Enjoy your trip back home to Canada. I know you’ll have lots of fun and lots to write about.
September 6, 2021 at 1:42 am
Oh, I can’t wait to go there, Darlene. We have Scotland on the list for 2023, I think. I need an Amanda book to prepare. 🙂 And you made me laugh that you didn’t get to time travel when touching the stone. Lol. Beautiful post.
September 6, 2021 at 1:50 am
Scotland is such an amazing place. You will love it. Glad I made you laugh.
September 6, 2021 at 2:36 am
Beautiful photos. It must have been wonderful to get away to such a peaceful place. Quite a change from the high season madness here! We’ve been in confinement the last 10 days as Tony has had a nasty bout of Covid and still isn’t over it. I had to go for a PCR today and will get the results tomorrow – almost certain it’ll come out positive as I think I’ve caught it from him, so we’ll be in for another 10 days!
September 6, 2021 at 2:58 am
I´m so sorry to hear that your family has been affected by the virus. I hope yours, if you have it, is mild and recovery is quick. It is still out there. I´m glad you enjoyed the photos. It was a great getaway.
September 29, 2021 at 1:59 am
Thanks, Darlene. The virus was absolutely ghastly, so I can’t imagine what it’s like if you haven’t been vaccinated. Tony was very poorly indeed but is recovering slowly. Yesterday I ventured out briefly for a couple of things for the first time in a month, and felt ok, but we’re still a bit weak. Hope you’re all safe and well.
September 29, 2021 at 2:51 am
I am so sorry to hear this, Ruth. But glad you are both feeling better.
September 7, 2021 at 8:29 am
What a fabulous trip you had, Darlene and thanks for sharing your wonderful photos. ❤
September 7, 2021 at 9:36 am
Wow, how jealous am I. What a place to write. I bet you got lots of writing done there 🙂 x
September 7, 2021 at 5:42 pm
It was the best. I could have written more but was a bit distracted by the scenery, food and the dog. But some progress was done.
September 7, 2021 at 8:48 pm
I adored these photos, Darlene – I love travelling in the UK, and have been to the Isle of Skye and the Orkneys. Arran looks heavenly. I’m glad you had such a great time. Toni x
September 7, 2021 at 11:53 pm
Lucky you. This is my first visit to a Scottish island and now I want to see more of them.
[…] Head over to enjoy this wonderful photographic tour by Darlene Foster: The Incredible Isle of Arran […]
September 8, 2021 at 5:10 pm
Glad you were able to get away for a while. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.
September 10, 2021 at 2:18 am
Beautiful, Darlene! So glad you had such a great time. Arran looks just as wonderful as I imagined. Thank you for sharing!
September 10, 2021 at 3:38 am
So stunning. It looks so beautiful!! Thanks for sharing!! it looks like an amazing place!!
September 14, 2021 at 6:18 am
This is beautiful, Darlene – if views like this don’t inspire you, I don’t know what would. So glad the weather turned out well for you.
September 19, 2021 at 4:04 am
What an amazing retreat, Darlene. I am sorry to hear you weren’t swept in to the past and rescued! Enjoy your visit home.
October 20, 2021 at 8:41 pm
How lovely to get away and to visit such a scenic place like the Isle of Arran. Your pictures are beautiful and looks like you had fabulous weather. Those standing stones look pretty neat.
October 20, 2021 at 10:37 pm
It was such a treat to visit this amazing island. We were very lucky with the weather and those standing stones were magical. Thanks for visiting my blog.
January 3, 2022 at 5:53 am
Fabulous! Did you and the other writers have a daily schedule of writing and or sharing what you wrote? Chris
January 3, 2022 at 6:06 am
We didn´t share what we wrote but we took turns presenting a 90-minute workshop each day which included some writing which we shared. It was quite informal and therapeutic.
January 10, 2023 at 9:19 am
I’ve never been to scotland! It sounds lovely! Glad you enjoyed your vacation last year!
January 10, 2023 at 6:10 pm
It was a wonderful place! They call it Little Scotland as it has a bit of everything the mainland has. Thanks!
Darlene Foster's Blog 
September 3, 2021 at 7:50 am
What a magical getaway! I love the history, the water, the animals and the serenity of such a place – thanks for taking us along!
September 3, 2021 at 7:55 am
It was amazing. I would gladly return as there was so much more to see and do.