Getting Here
Where Is Arran?
The Isle of Arran lies in the Firth of Clyde, just off Scotland’s west coast. It is not as remote as people sometimes imagine—in fact, Arran lies south-west of Glasgow and is one of Scotland’s most accessible west coast islands.
The island is reached by regular ferry services from the Ardrossan or Troon on the Ayshire Coast or Claonaig/Tarbert in Kintyre. The journey from Glasgow to the ferry ports straightforward by road or rail. Once the ferry leaves the mainland, however, Arran quickly begins to feel like a world apart.
Many guests find that the retreat begins with the crossing itself: the mainland recedes, the dramatic peaks of Arran come into view and the pace of ordinary life begins to soften.
Kildonan lies on the island’s southern coast, approximately a 30-minute drive from Brodick Ferry Terminal.
Ferries to Arran
There are three principal ferry routes to Arran.
Troon to Brodick
CalMac operates a ferry between Troon Harbour and Brodick. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Troon is easily reached by road and rail and is particularly convenient for visitors travelling from Glasgow, Ayrshire, Glasgow Prestwick Airport or further south.
Ardrossan to Brodick
The traditional ferry route to Arran runs between Ardrossan Harbour and Brodick. The crossing takes approximately 55 minutes.
Which Brodick service is operating, and the frequency of sailings from Troon or Ardrossan, can vary. We recommend checking the current CalMac timetable and service status when planning your journey.
Claonaig or Tarbert to Lochranza
Visitors approaching from Argyll, Kintyre or the western Highlands may prefer the shorter crossing to Lochranza, at the north of Arran.
During the summer timetable, the ferry operates between Claonaig and Lochranza, with a crossing time of approximately 30 minutes.
During winter, the mainland departure point changes to Tarbert (Loch Fyne) and a reduced service operates between Tarbert and Lochranza. For winter 2026–27, this change begins on 19 October 2026 and continues until 25 March 2027.
Lochranza is at the opposite end of the island from Kildonan, so guests using this route should allow time for the scenic drive south through Arran.
Booking Your Ferry
We recommend purchasing ferry tickets in advance and booking a vehicle space as early as possible, particularly for weekend travel and during the busier months.
Ferry routes, vessels and timetables can occasionally change, so please check the latest CalMac timetable and service-status information shortly before travelling.
Foot passengers are very welcome. We can arrange to collect guests from Brodick Ferry Terminal by prior agreement, or you can travel to Kildonan by local bus.
Our Address
Project House
The Church
Church Brae
Kildonan
Isle of Arran
KA27 8SE
Important Navigation Information
Please note that many satellite navigation systems do not bring visitors to the correct location. They often direct drivers to Drimla Lodge on Shore Road, which is not the Kirk.
For the most accurate navigation, we recommend using our what3words addresses or following the directions below.
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Main Entrance
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Approaching from Brodick
Follow the A841 south through Lamlash and Whiting Bay towards Kildonan.
As you enter the village, continue along the coast road with the sea on your left. Ignore any directions that take you to Shore Road or Drimla Lodge.
Continue until the road bends sharply to the right and climbs the hill. The Kirk is approximately two-thirds of the way up the hill on the left-hand side.
Alternative Route
Some guests find this approach easier.
Instead of taking the first left turn down into Kildonan, remain on the upper coast road.
Continue until you reach the second left turn into the village, beside Eas Mòr Ecology. Turn left here and continue downhill for approximately 100 metres.
The Kirk is on the right-hand side.
Travelling by Ferry
Most visitors travel to Arran via the CalMac ferry between Ardrossan and Brodick.
We recommend booking your ferry well in advance, particularly during the spring and summer months when sailings can become busy.
Travelling as a Foot Passenger
Many of our guests choose to visit Arran without a car.
We’re happy to collect you from Brodick Ferry Terminal by prior arrangement.
Alternatively, the Stagecoach bus service runs between Brodick and Kildonan throughout the day.
Parking
Free parking is available at the Kirk throughout your stay.
Arrival
Thursday
Guests booking the optional Thursday night stay are welcome to arrive from 3.00pm.
If you reach Arran earlier in the day, you’re very welcome to call in, leave your luggage and say hello. While we can’t always guarantee that bedrooms will be ready before 3.00pm, you’re welcome to relax and begin settling into the surroundings.
Friday
Guests are welcome to arrive at any time during the day, but we ask that everyone is at the Kirk by 3.00pm, allowing time to settle in before the retreat begins at 4.00pm.
Departure
The retreat concludes on Monday, with departures by 12 noon.