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Welcome to the wild north edge

Author Holiday Arran

Under the shadow and spell of Goatfell

THE WILD north half of Arran spans from the pretty village of Corrie across the mountains to Pirnmill, which overlooks Kintyre. Miles of unspoilt scenery and striking wildlife are there for all to see. Corrie is situated six miles from Brodick. It has a pretty procession of cottages lining the road to Lochranza and wrapping themselves around a picturesque little harbour. It lies under the island’s highest mountain, Goatfell, and a path provides access to the hillside.

The village used to be a regular stop for steamers travelling around the island, but the pier has since fallen into disrepair.
Its one pub, The Corrie Hotel, has an informal and pleasant atmosphere offering good food and friendly service at reasonable prices.

The hotel provides not only evening meals, but also bar lunches, morning coffee, afternoon tea, and evening bar meals. There are plenty of places to stay in the village. As well as the hotel there is the Blackrock, a traditional sea front guesthouse and for those on a budget a 10-minute steep climb takes you to North High Corrie Croft, a bunkhouse on a raised beach that overlooks the village. It has one large room for group bookings and an annexe with eight beds.

THE WILD north half of Arran spans from the pretty village of Corrie across the mountains to Pirnmill, which overlooks Kintyre.

The village shop stocks general food supplies, off sales, newspapers and magazines, local produce and crafts as well as an extensive range of organic produce. There is also an exhibition of art works by Marvin Elliot, a local sculptor. His wooden sculptures can be seen all over the island. In fact, visitors may spot a seal basking on a rock very near to the shop.
Corrie boasts one of the most beautiful golf courses in Britain with some of the most stunning views on Arran. Confusingly situated in the neighbouring village of Sannox, Corrie Golf Club is well worth a visit for golf enthusiasts. Two miles north of Corrie is the hamlet of Sannox, resting at the bottom of a glen it also has an idyllic little sandy beach.

Today it is popular with visitors who fancy a swim. Within the dramatic Glen Sannox it is possible to find an Iron Age fort and the remains of a village, abandoned in 1829 as part of the process of the Highland Clearances

The name stems from the Vikings who called the area, Sandvik, meaning the sandy bay. Today it is popular with visitors who fancy a swim. Within the dramatic Glen Sannox it is possible to find an Iron Age fort and the remains of a village, abandoned in 1829 as part of the process of the Highland Clearances. Mining was a source of employment in the area, when in 1840 a mine was opened in the area. Operations ended in 1862 when the 11th Duke of Hamilton closed the mine, claiming that it spoiled the local area.

However, the mine was reopened after the close of the First World War, and a railway and pier were built to transport the coal mined there. The source of coal ran out in 1938 and the mine closed. The railway and the pier were removed in the 1940s. Like Corrie, Sannox has one hotel, The Sannox Bay. Bar meals are served lunchtime and evening but visitors can also dine in the restaurant, which has earned a good reputation for its quality cuisine. The Sannox Bay hotel is an ideal base for hill walking and climbing and is only 50 yards from Corrie golf course, making it ideal for a golfing break.