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Isle of Arran

Ayrshire, Scotland  >  United Kingdom

Large island of 25x12 miles in the Firth of Clyde. 'Scotland in miniature' with mountain, pine forest, lowland farming and fisheries.

Added* by Iain Crawford
Most recent update 17 martie 2023
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Description

The northern half of the Isle of Arran is rugged, mountainous, remote country and is the most southerly site in the UK for breeding Ieruncă alpină. The south has gentler moorland, extensive conifer plantations and much of the island’s farmland. Much of the coast is raised beach with a shoreline of rock or shingle, and steep escarpments. On the Isle of Arran 250 bird species have been seen. Best coastal birding spots for autumn migrants and winter wildfowl are Lochranza, Lamlash and Sliddery. Many raptors in the upland areas eg Erete vânăt, Șoim călător, Acvilă de munte, Șorecar comun, Șoim de iarnă, Corb, Ciuf de câmp as well as Pescărel negru, Mărăcinar negru, Ieruncă scoțiană, Pietrar sur and Codroș de pădure. Caprimulg and Sitar de pădure in the forest clearings. Mammals include red squirrel, red and roe deer, seals, otters and dolphins.

Details

Access

Ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick which takes 55 minutes. Several departures every day. See the link below for info on timetable and tickets. Ardrossan is 30 miles SW of Glasgow and accessible by rail. By bus: Stagecoach operates services throughout the week from Glasgow to Ardrossan and also operates across the Isle of Arran, connecting Lochranza in the north and Brodick in the south of the island. Passengers can find bus services and islands tours adjacent to terminal buildings.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Mountain , Lake , Beach , Mud flats , Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Moors/heathland , River , Sea , City/village

Conditions

Mountainous , Flat , Sandy , Wet , Hilly , Rocky

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn

Best time to visit

Spring , Autumn

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road , Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Strenuous

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Boat , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

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Map

Top 5 birds

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