The Ultimate Island Adventure: Highlights and how to plan your logistics for the Ultra Tour of Arran

The Rat Race Ultra Tour of Arran (UTA) is Scotland at its wildest and most wonderful, a rugged, 2-day, fully-supported ultramarathon that takes you across an island dubbed “Scotland in miniature.” From glens and ridges to forest trails and coastal views, this is an ultra like no other.

Here’s why the Ultra Tour of Arran is an unmissable challenge, and everything you need to know before you hit the trail.

What Makes the Ultra Tour of Arran So Special?

1. Two Epic Days of Trail Running

This is a 2-day staged ultra, meaning you’ll run, rest, and run again. An ideal format for those stepping up into multi-day running in the ultra world or wanting to test themselves across multiple terrains.

• Day 1: Rolling glens, forest trails, waterfalls, and coastal sections.

• Day 2: Mountain mode: summiting Goatfell and ridgeline running that’ll make your jaw drop.

Expect around 30 miles each day, with every terrain you can think of, this is some of the very best trail running that Scotland has to offer.

Island Vibes & Stunning Scenery

Known as "Scotland in miniature," Arran has a bit of everything when it comes to running.

• Dramatic mountains including a summit of Goatfell and beautiful trails through Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox

• Wild coastlines

• Lush glens and forests and the infamous Bog of Doom.

• Arran Distillery (Lochranza) produces award-winning single malt whisky and it is where one of our Pit Stops are located!

  
  

You’ll feel a world away from the mainland — and yet, it’s only a short ferry ride from Glasgow.

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How to get there?

1. Get to Ardrossan Harbour (Mainland Scotland)

The ferry to Arran departs from Ardrossan Harbour on the west coast. How you get there depends on your starting point:

From Glasgow:

• Train – From Glasgow Central Station, take the train to Ardrossan Harbour (NOT Ardrossan Town or Ardrossan South Beach).

  • Journey: ~50–60 minutes.

  • Trains are timed to connect with most ferry sailings.

• Bus – Stagecoach runs buses from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Ardrossan, but the train is usually faster.

  
  

2. Ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick

• Operator: Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac).

• Crossing time: ~55 minutes.

• Booking: You must book in advance if you are bringing a vehicle. Foot passengers can usually buy tickets on the day, but booking online secures your spot. Ferry bookings open in Jan/Feb each year for the upcoming season. You can check if they are available to book here.

  
  

Key Logistics You Need to Know

Ultra Tour of Arran usually takes place in April, kicking off the UK trail season in style.

• Start/finish: Brodick, Isle of Arran

• You’ll take the CalMac ferry from Ardrossan Harbour (1 hour from Glasgow)

  
  

Accommodation:

• Most participants camp at the Event Village in Brodick. You can book a place through your Rat Race account.

• Facilities include toilets, hot showers with a short walk to the town.

• Want comfort? Local B&Bs and lodges are also an option, some places do not release their rooms until Jan/Feb so we recommend checking back in the new year to see what is available nearby.

  
  

Who’s It For?

• Runners with some experience on trails, you have up to 12 hours to complete each day but this one cannot be entirely trekked so it is not suitable for pure hikers. If you can run 10km you can train to do this. Check out our training plan.

• Anyone training for longer multi day ultras. UTA is a perfect one to experience all types of terrain in a supported and fully waymarked environment.

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 Why Past Runners Loved It

Absolutely loved Ultra Tour of Arran. Don't get me wrong, it was tough but the views, marshalls, local support and other runners made it a really enjoyable run..."

"What an epic weekend. If you want a challenging race with lots of technical terrain, dramatic mountains, stunning coasts, this one is for you.Arran is such a special place you need to add it to the bucket list. Can’t fault the Rat Race team, the atmosphere was fantastic and the staff were so supportive.Everything ran smoothly and was well communicated. I’d give extra points for the snacks at check points!"

"Just back from Ultra Tour of Arran! What a stunning place, perfect for this event, which was by no means easy, a real tough challenge! Bogs, beautiful scenery, hills and mountains to climb, with some technical terrain, but as always Rat Race are there to help you achieve the very best you can and will do what they can to help you achieve it... we had a blast! My other half's first RR event, he picked a toughie, but he had a blast!! Thanks again RR and James"

Ready to Take It On?

The Ultra Tour of Arran is the ultimate weekend for trail lovers, adventure chasers, and anyone who wants to see what they’re made of, all wrapped in Scottish charm and Rat Race support.

Sign up here.