Recreation - climbing, cycling and geological excursions
Mountaineering
The northern hills present a fine challenge for mountaineers and ridge-walkers as well as the rambler. The well-jointed rock with its rough surface provides excellent climbing conditions. The bare rock and the sharp aręte ridges result directly from the recent glaciation.
Study of Geology
Arran with its ‘Scotland in miniature’ variety of geology has, since the time of Hutton, been a magnet for geologists. Recently this has been particularly so for the undergraduate geologist, many of whom have had their first taste of real ‘field’ geology on Arran. Students are reminded of the need to conserve the many important localities described in this booklet, for the benefit of future generations by leaving their hammers on the bus (or better still, at home) and also of the need to ask permission to visit sites on private property
Remember to follow the Geological Code
Curling
This section would be incomplete without a mention of that traditional Scottish game, the ‘roaring’ game of curling and the part played by Ailsa Craig. The particular riebeckite microgranite long proved an ideal material for the perfect curling stone.
Cycling
The milestones are a feature of Arran, marking the 55.6 mile coast road, as well as the String and Ross roads. Nowadays easily travelled in a few hours, the traditional and still probably the best way to circumnavigate the island is by bicycle (or tricycle or tandem) and the milestones act as an encouragement and incentive. By cycle one can appreciate the geology and how the geology affects the nature, and the gradient, of the road. Look out for the red sandstone milestones, reputedly from the Old Red Sandstone quarries at Corrie.