Lochranza Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Travelers can reach Lochranza via the ferry service from Claonaig on the Kintyre Peninsula, with crossings taking approximately 30 minutes. From Glasgow, drive southwest to Ardrossan (about 45 minutes) and take the main Arran ferry to Brodick, then continue by road to Lochranza (30 minutes across the island). Public buses connect with ferry arrivals, running regularly between Brodick and Lochranza. If traveling by car, limited parking is available near the ferry terminal, though the village itself is easily walkable. During peak summer months, booking ferry tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Nestled in the northern reaches of the Isle of Arran, Lochranza offers a picturesque Scottish escape where mountains meet sea. This charming village sits at the head of a sweeping bay, with its iconic castle ruins creating a dramatic silhouette against the surrounding hills. As a key ferry connection point, Lochranza serves as a gateway to exploring both Arran's natural wonders and connections to Scotland's mainland.

Lochranza enjoys its most pleasant weather from May through September, with July and August offering the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours. Spring visits (April-May) reward travelers with blooming wildflowers and newborn deer in the surrounding hills. The ferry service operates year-round but runs more frequent crossings during summer months. Autumn brings spectacular colors to the landscape and fewer visitors, making September and early October ideal for those seeking tranquility. Winter visits (November-March) offer stark beauty and occasional snow-covered views, though some local businesses may operate reduced hours.

Lochranza serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Kintyre Peninsula, accessible via a short 30-minute ferry crossing to Claonaig. From there, travelers can visit Campbeltown with its historic distilleries and charming harbor (a 30-minute drive from the Claonaig terminal). The scenic coastal route to Tarbert offers stunning views and seafood restaurants just 15 minutes from the ferry landing. For those looking to island-hop, connections can be made to reach Islay, famous for its peaty whiskies and bird sanctuaries. Lochranza's strategic position on Arran also makes it perfect for exploring the entire island, often called 'Scotland in miniature' for its diverse landscapes.

Explore the atmospheric ruins of Lochranza Castle, a 13th-century fortress dramatically situated on a spit of land extending into the loch. Wildlife enthusiasts should keep their cameras ready for the resident red deer that frequently graze near the village and the golden eagles soaring overhead. Visit the Arran Distillery for a tour and tasting of their award-winning single malts, where you can learn about whisky production while enjoying views of the surrounding hills. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Cock of Arran trail offers spectacular coastal views, while the challenging hike up Goatfell mountain rewards with panoramic vistas across to the mainland. Sample fresh seafood at local eateries, where Arran lobster and scallops feature prominently on menus.

Lochranza Castle was immortalized in Sir Walter Scott's poem 'The Lord of the Isles,' bringing literary fame to this small village. The waters of Loch Ranza are home to basking sharks during summer months, with these gentle giants sometimes visible from the shore. Robert the Bruce reportedly landed at Lochranza in 1306 when beginning his campaign to regain the Scottish throne, marking the village's place in Scottish independence history. The area surrounding Lochranza has one of the highest concentrations of red deer in Scotland, with over 2,000 deer roaming the northern part of the island.