Seven wonders of Arran

We recently got to chatting about what our top places on Arran might be. In particular, we idly mused, what would we recommend to friends who might be visiting for seven short days? In the end, it was just too tough a job, so we had to double it to a fortnight's worth!

The first seven

1. The sail to Brodick on MV Caledonian Isles: This 55-minute brush with the marine environment is an essential part of any Arran trip (unless you use the other ferry). A most welcome part of the unwinding process.

2. Blackwaterfoot beach: Sand, sea and surf, right beside one of the world's top 100 golf courses with a cracking tearoom that's open to the public.

3. Machrie standing stones: What were they for? Who knows! Still, they're good for a visit, with an impressive vista of mountains to the north.

4. Corrie Lochan: A hidden gem, high up in the hills. Enjoy a packed lunch on your own private beach, hundreds of feet up.

5. Goat Fell: It's quite a climb (Mike made it to the summit aged six) but worth every puff and pant once you take in Arran from its highest point.

6. Arran Aromatics: for those who hanker after a fragrant life. Stock up on some bargain bubbles.

7. Lochranza: Katie's favourite place in all the world, with the most friendly wild deer you are ever likely to rub noses with.

1. The King's Cave: Almost definitely probably the place where Robert the Bruce met his famous spider. Possibly. Maybe.

2. Glenashdale Falls: An easy walk via an Iron Age settlement takes you to a (thankfully) solidly engineered look-out post, high above the cascading waters of doom.

3. Eas Mor: Down in the south of the island you can explore the woods with their waterfall, views to Pladda and Ailsa Craig, and (to our surprise) a turf-roofed library featuring lots of books on wildlife and ecology.

4. Holy Isle: Just a short hop across Lamlash Bay takes you to the historic island with its recently built Buddhist retreat centre. While you're out and about, you'll also spot plenty of wild ponies and goats on the steep slopes.

5. Paddle Steamer Waverley: OK, so it's kind of similar to the ferry crossing, but it's also quite different, and totally lovely from the pointy bit at the front to the flag at the back. The Waverley is such a glorious piece of living heritage that it merits a never-to-be-forgotten visit. Seriously, you won't regret it.

6. Glen Rosa: A really enjoyable valley walk. Reach the saddle at the top of the glen for one of the best views the island has to offer.

7. Arran Chocolate Factory: Last, though certainly not least, you should wander along the front in Brodick and call into this emporium of tastebud delight, where everything on show shouts, "Eat me! Eat me!". Too tasty for words –and such a choice. For the extra-peckish, this excursion can be combined with a visit to the nearby Wooley's Bakery, makers of the rightly famed Arran oatcake.