Whiting Bay Golf Club
Strap on your crampons: hills and more hills. But if you're not hyperventilating, you will enjoy the sweeping views of the Firth of Clyde to the east.
Architect: Unknown, 1895. Yardage: 4,405. Par: 63. Greens Fees: $39-$44. Contact: 011-44/1770-700-487, whitingbaygolfclub.org.uk.
Where to stay
Auchrannie House Hotel, Brodick. Arran's version of the full-service resort, with a spa, indoor pools and gymnasium. Couples gravitate to the rooms in the original building, which dates to 1869, but families are inclined to opt for the more modern (if antiseptic) quarters in the adjoining spa. Two- to three-bedroom lodges are also available. Rooms: from $130. Contact: 011-44/1770-302-234, auchrannie.co.uk.
Best Western Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot.A stone's throw from Shiskine. No surprises here, and less character than the Blackwaterfoot Lodge up the street, but more activities (swimming pool, squash court, snooker room) for children and nongolfers. Rooms: from $60. Contact: 011-44/1770-860-444, bw-kinlochhotel.co.uk.
Blackwaterfoot Lodge, Blackwaterfoot. No frills, and great for groups. The cozy bar is perfect for a postround pint or two after negotiating your way around Shiskine. Rooms: from $54. Contact: 011-44/1770-860-202, blackwaterfoot-lodge.co.uk.
Kilmichael Country House Hotel, Brodick. With the money you saved on the Arran Golf Pass, splurge and stay at this quintessential country house hotel with only seven rooms. Peacocks roam the manicured grounds. The ideal place to celebrate an anniversary or to pop the question. Rooms: from $150. Contact: 011-44/1770-302-219, kilmichael.com.
Where to eat
Blackwaterfoot Lodge, Blackwaterfoot. Nothing fancy, just excellent home cooking at reasonable prices in a comfortable atmosphere. If you are lucky enough to dine here on an evening when coproprietor Ann Relf is at the helm, you'll have an especially fine meal, indeed. 011-44/1770-860-202, blackwaterfoot-lodge.co.uk. $$
Brodick Bar & Brasserie, Brodick. Bustling scene with great food listed on a huge blackboard. Popular with locals, which is always a good sign. Try a pint of Deuchars IPA. 011-44/1770-302-169, thebrodickbar.co.uk. $$$
Kilmichael Country House Hotel, Brodick. Without a doubt, this lovingly decorated room is the best spot on the island for a romantic dinner. Make that a quiet romantic dinner: It's one of those havens where diners speak to each other in hushed tones so as not to disturb their neighbors. In other words, this is definitely not the venue for raucous all-male foursomes recounting highlights of the day's golf at top volume. Superb food. It's tiny, so book in advance. 011-44/1770-302-219, kilmichael.com. $$$$
How to get there
The Isle of Arran is located on Scotland's southwest coast almost directly across from Troon. Fly into Glasgow Airport and drive to Ardrossan. Take the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry (011-44/8705-650-000, calmac.co.uk) from there to Brodick on the island, a pleasant fifty-minute passage if the weather cooperates. Additional Arran info is available at visitarran.net. —M.D.
