There are few places where you can munch on locally produced chocolate while watching a golden eagle circling nearby. There are even fewer places where you can drive from moor and mountains to rolling hills, via a soap factory, in just 30 minutes. Arran has it all.
If you’re feeling peckish there is local produce to tickle every taste bud. The Arran Chocolate Factory is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth, while The Island Cheese Company provides temptation for those with a penchant for more savoury foods. But if you’re looking for a typically Scottish indulgence, head to the Isle of Arran Distillery. If all that food and drink demands some penance try a leisurely stroll to the Machrie Moor Stone Circles or, for the energetic, take a walk up Goat Fell to the island’s highest point, from where, on a clear day, you can see over to Ireland.

1 Isle of Arran Distillers
Situated among the beautiful scenery of Lochranza, Scotland’s newest distillery has a lot to be pleased about. The nine-year-old business is already winning prizes for the quality of its whisky, with its five-year-old single malt beating ten- and 12-year-old examples from more established rivals in international competitions. The Single Island Malt is gloriously smooth and fresh, while the Holy Island Cream Liqueur gives Baileys a run for its money. If you’d appreciate a taste but not a bottle, the tours are good value for money and include a wee dram at the end. Look out for the golden onion-shaped stills.

2 The Arran Chocolate Factory
Entering the factory is like walking into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Delicately crafted chocolates line the shelves while vats of chocolate gently simmer behind the viewing window. Owner James McCheney recommends the Champagne and ginger praline: the dark chocolate is rich, the Champagne smooth and the ginger explosive. If you prefer white chocolate try Le Zest. This lemon cream confection is beautifully sharp, and candied peel intensifies the flavour. There’s an unusual tipple in the Double Chocolate Stout, which puts a different slant on the more familiar chocolate liqueur. The company prides itself on its produce being handcrafted and completely natural. It is a bit pricey, but if you want a bite of luxury that almost feels good for you, go ahead and treat yourself.

3 The Island Cheese Company
If you think Cheddar is boring then the Island Cheese Company will change your mind. The company has specialised in flavoured Cheddar for 14 years and will tempt your taste buds with best sellers such as its mustard- or chilli-flavoured versions, the latter has a welcome sharpness. There are five other flavours to choose from, but if you remain unconvinced about the Cheddar there’s always the Brie. Romantically called Arran Mist, it combines creaminess with substance and improves at room temperature. Visitors can watch the cheese-making process through a large viewing window.

4 Arran Aromatics
Next door to the Island Cheese Company is a completely different olefactory experience. Founded in 1988, Arran Aromatics makes more than 350 candles and toiletries on site, and glories in not only following trends but also creating them. Trendsetting is coupled with ethical concerns: products are natural and there is no animal testing. The ‘After the Rain’ range combines a fresh smell with stylish white and gold packaging, while the ‘Earthwise’ range explores autumn colours and mellow aromas. A men’s range ensures that there is something for everyone. Be warned, though, the ‘Edibles’ line, including coffee candles, is not as tasty as you might think.

5 Lochranza Castle
If that wee dram at the local distillery has left you fuggy, a scenic stroll to Lochranza castle will clear your head. Located on a shingle spit projecting from the southern side of Loch Ranza, the castle dominates the scenic Lochranza village. The building is managed by Historic Scotland, but if you want to take a closer look you can pick up its key from Lochranza Stores. Much of the castle visible today is the result of rebuilding in the 16th century, but its origins go back to 1261. In 1306 Robert the Bruce was said to have landed at the castle on his return from Ireland and before his successful bid for the crown. It is rumoured that Lochranza was the inspiration for the castle in the Tintin story The Black Island adventure.

6 Goat Fell
Dominating the island at 874 metres is Goat Fell. It is a moderate climb but can be awkward in bad weather. A well-signposted ascent starts near Brodick golf course at the northern end of the esplanade – if you reach the rhododendrons you’re on the right track. When you get to the top, hop (and puff) onto the granite block, the highest point on Arran. Look down towards Glen Rosa, on the west flank, for a dramatic vista. Alternative ascents and descents can make for a solid day’s exercise, but if you prefer a walk rather than a climb, try The Coastal Way.

7 Machrie Moor
Stone Circles Containing not just one but six stone circles, Machrie Moors is an ideal place to get to grips with Scotland’s ancient past. A scenic trail leads you onto the dramatic moors but don’t stop at the first circle, because it’s only a baby compared to later ones a mile from the road. Just after a ruined farmhouse you’ll find a spectacular circle, made up of an isolated stone with fingers and three huge stones grouped together.
In spring the smaller stone circles come into their own as lamb playgrounds, although they were built with a more sombre function in mind. They were constructed in memory of the dead and to boast of the inherited power of the living.