Sliddery is a tiny hamlet located on the Southwest coast of the Isle of Arran in Scotland. The village is situated near the Ross road between Blackwaterfoot and Lagg. The name Sliddery is thought to have been derived from the Old Irish for "field of slaughter", as it was here that a band of marauding Vikings were butchered when attempting to settle in Sliddery Water valley. Nowadays, the hamlet sits is on the hill high above the estuary, about half a mile from the shore. Various lanes lead down to a pebble beach, which offers views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Ireland and Ailsa Craig.
The tiny hamlet of Lagg has one claim to fame, and that is the Lagg Inn – one of the oldest on the island, dating back to 1791. The inn also has some lovely gardens. There are also a few houses and a small shop/Post Office here.
The gardens at the Lagg HotelKilmory is the main settlement in the south west of the Isle of Arran. Actually, if you look closely at a map, what usually passes for a single village actually comprises three distinct parts. These are Torrylinn, Kilmory and Lagg.
Torrylinn and Lagg both sit astride the main A841 as it circumnavigates the island, at this point about half a mile inland from the sea. For the visitor touring the island, two things are immediately striking. The first is the previously mentioned Lagg Hotel while the other is the Torrylinn Creamery. The creamery, was established in 1946 by the Milk Marketing Board, and is home to the famous Isle of Arran Cheese. It has a viewing gallery, from which you can see production taking place, and a cheese shop.
Torrylinn and Lagg both sit astride the main A841 as it circumnavigates the island, at this point about half a mile inland from the sea. For the visitor touring the island, two things are immediately striking. The first is the previously mentioned Lagg Hotel while the other is the Torrylinn Creamery. The creamery, was established in 1946 by the Milk Marketing Board, and is home to the famous Isle of Arran Cheese. It has a viewing gallery, from which you can see production taking place, and a cheese shop.
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Kildonan is situated on a small loop road which runs alongside the coast, and can be quite easily overlooked, which would be a shame for it is a little gem. Named after the Irish monk Saint Donan, who is believed to have lived here in the sixth century, Kildonan lies at the south eastern extremity of the Isle of Arran. The village stands out for two reasons.
The first is that it is home to an excellent beach which offers stretches of sand, and many opportunities to view the seal population...
The first is that it is home to an excellent beach which offers stretches of sand, and many opportunities to view the seal population...
The second is more immediately obvious as you approach it. The views south over the village to the Ayrshire coast and the islands of Pladda, and Ailsa Craig (known as “Paddy’s Milestone”) are simply superb.
Kildonan also boasts a castle, standing out on the old raised beach behind and above the village. It was once, with Lochranza Castle and Brodick Castle, one of three fortresses guarding Arran's strategically important position in the approaches to the Clyde. Today's Kildonan Castle is only a shadow of its former self, but still reflects its origins as a 13th Century keep.
Kildonan Castle has long been ivy clad and unstable, making close examination a dangerous proposition. It also stands in the garden of a house, meaning that it can only be seen from a nearby right of way leading to the beach.
The village itself is strung out along the shore, with, near its west end, the village hall complete with a memorial bell set in a wall. Not far from the hall is one of Scotland's more unusual war memorials, a plaque fixed to a prominent rock standing above the beach.
In recent years the village has become rather more substantial with the construction of a number of large houses ideally suited to enjoy the views. And, without doubt it is the views from Kildonan that draw your attention time and again.
A key focal point when looking south from Kildonan is the island of Pladda, which lies a kilometre or so offshore; its name comes from the Norse for "Flat Isle". The lighthouse on the island was built by the Stevenson family in the 1820s, and was manned until it was automated in the 1980s.
A GOLFERS PARADISE
There is no doubt about it. Arran is a Golfers Paradise. Within its 167 square miles there are no less than seven golf courses. These are situated at Brodick, Corrie Golf Club at Sannox, Lochranza, Machrie Bay, Shiskine, Whiting Bay and Lamlash.
BRODICK GOLF COURSE – 18 Holes
BRODICK GOLF COURSE – 18 Holes
Brodick Golf Club, on the Isle of Arran, is a beautiful location for a challenging and enjoyable day's golf. Alone among Arran's marvellous and varied golf clubs, Brodick's parkland and links course is entirely at sea level, making it accessible for golfers of all ages and capabilities.Arriving on the mid-morning ferry from Ardrossan, day visitors can walk from the pier to the golf course and still be on the first tee by 11am. This leaves ample time for an enjoyable round of golf, followed by anything from a light snack to a full meal in the Brodick Clubhouse before catching the late-afternoon boat back to the mainland. For the more energetic, arriving at 8am on the first boat of the day and leaving on the last, at 7:20pm, allows for a full 36 holes with lunch in-between and plenty of relaxing, friendly and well-earned Clubhouse time afterwards at the '37th'! Brodick is a great course for golfers of all handicaps. From its opening hole, the longest Par 4 on the course, to its three tough cross-water Par 3s, a tricky dogleg Par 5, and deceptive Par 4s at the turn. It presents challenges and obstacles which are great to take on -- and hopefully conquer!
Brodick Golf Course
CORRIE GOLF COURSE AT SANNOX – 9 holes
Visitors Comments
I’ve played Corrie many times and I can safely say it is the best 9-hole I have ever played. It has a great variation in short par 3's and 4's with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains including the superb devils punchbowl. Only the first and ninth holes are straightforward and relatively easy to play. The other holes give you a great challenge which is very enjoyable. A gem of a course.
I’ve played Corrie many times and I can safely say it is the best 9-hole I have ever played. It has a great variation in short par 3's and 4's with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains including the superb devils punchbowl. Only the first and ninth holes are straightforward and relatively easy to play. The other holes give you a great challenge which is very enjoyable. A gem of a course.
A most challenging course!
Not forgetting the odd heron!
Corrie Golf Course
Action shot at Corrie Golf CourseLOCHRANZA GOLF COURSE – 9 holes – 18 Tees
There is a whole story behind the evolution of Lochranza Golf Course but I’ll leave that for another time. Suffice to say that something radical was needed and something special has been created. Here is a golf course which has been developed within the existing landscape in much the same way as the original Scottish seaside courses were created over 100 years ago but with the benefit of hindsight and a fertile imagination. The result is something quite unique, different from probably any other golf course in the World, and in this setting is really quite spectacular.
Research indicated the need for an 18 hole course with longer holes and higher par, preferably 70+, lots of interest and testing for any regular golfer of whatever handicap, yet it had to be equally attractive, interesting, and not too difficult for the many inexperienced golfers, including young golfers, seeking to play. Located as it is Lochranza Golf Course had to be special if golfers were to be persuaded to travel to it.
The setting of Lochranza Village and the Golf Course within it is idyllic. Steep mountain slopes surround three sides with the fourth opening to the Kilbrannen Sound. Playing on the Golf Course in these surroundings with a spectacular view in every direction and the relaxing company of the multitude of wildlife is surely the nearest thing to Heaven?
Research indicated the need for an 18 hole course with longer holes and higher par, preferably 70+, lots of interest and testing for any regular golfer of whatever handicap, yet it had to be equally attractive, interesting, and not too difficult for the many inexperienced golfers, including young golfers, seeking to play. Located as it is Lochranza Golf Course had to be special if golfers were to be persuaded to travel to it.
The setting of Lochranza Village and the Golf Course within it is idyllic. Steep mountain slopes surround three sides with the fourth opening to the Kilbrannen Sound. Playing on the Golf Course in these surroundings with a spectacular view in every direction and the relaxing company of the multitude of wildlife is surely the nearest thing to Heaven?
A different kind of hazard here!
How It Plays
The front nine are usually set up to play a little easier to encourage our golfers to settle into a game before they are asked the more serious questions of the back nine.
To summarise the play we would emphasise the need to place drives accurately. Any drive out of line or off the fairway is likely to cost a shot. There are many opportunities and enticements to ‘go for it’ and we would simply suggest these be left for the second time around as the first time is likely to be expensive.On the longer holes the second shot becomes just as critical as the drive, more so if the drive is less than perfect, and on the shorter holes inaccuracy to the green can be punishing. Once on the greens the requirement to get down in two from anything up to 50 or 60 yards can be daunting.
Lochranza is a golf course for people who understand the deeper elements of playing golf in beautiful locations. Many find it demanding and challenging, some even tricky, while most enjoy its many natural features. Those who have the necessary self control can manage their round and achieve a rewarding score while those who lose the place can easily hit the 100. Some quite low handicappers have failed miserably when others have shown that practised skills and good course management will do the business.
Older golfers, ladies and gents, juniors and novices all enjoy the Lochranza experience. The level ground, there are no hills to climb, and the stunning scenery makes it special.
To summarise the play we would emphasise the need to place drives accurately. Any drive out of line or off the fairway is likely to cost a shot. There are many opportunities and enticements to ‘go for it’ and we would simply suggest these be left for the second time around as the first time is likely to be expensive.On the longer holes the second shot becomes just as critical as the drive, more so if the drive is less than perfect, and on the shorter holes inaccuracy to the green can be punishing. Once on the greens the requirement to get down in two from anything up to 50 or 60 yards can be daunting.
Lochranza is a golf course for people who understand the deeper elements of playing golf in beautiful locations. Many find it demanding and challenging, some even tricky, while most enjoy its many natural features. Those who have the necessary self control can manage their round and achieve a rewarding score while those who lose the place can easily hit the 100. Some quite low handicappers have failed miserably when others have shown that practised skills and good course management will do the business.
Older golfers, ladies and gents, juniors and novices all enjoy the Lochranza experience. The level ground, there are no hills to climb, and the stunning scenery makes it special.
Regular visitors to Lochranza Golf Course
MACHRIE BAY GOLF COURSE - 9 holes
The Course is beside the sea with fantastic views over the Kilbrannan Sound towards the Kintyre Peninsula. The 9 hole Course is ideal for golfers of all abilities & welcomes everybody, especially families. It is fairly flat, and has improved vastly in recent years.
1st Hole 270 Yards Par 4 SI 9 / 12 "Kilbrannan "
The 1st at Machrie is a great hole beside the sea. It is the “signature” hole of the course & can easily ruin a good score - before you have reached the second tee! There is Out of Bounds (OB) on both sides of the fairway - running the entire length of the hole - you have to hit a straight one from the tee or reload! Watch out you don't hit a passing car on the road. Once you have hit your tee shot you will face an enticing pitch onto the green. You can feed the ball in from the left, but don't be long & look out for the gorse on the right. Once on the green 3 putts can easily be taken, especially if the pin location is on the left slope. All in all it is a tough start, but a joy to play.
SHISKINE GOLF COURSE – 12 holes (one of only two 12 hole courses in Europe!)
The unspoiled seaside links of Shiskine Golf and Tennis Club is set in magnificent scenery overlooking the Kilbrannan sound with splendid views to the Mull of Kintyre. Nestling below Drumadoon Cliffs at Blackwaterfoot, Shiskine's challenging and picturesque 12-hole layout is truly one of the hidden gems in the world of golf.
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Machrie Golf Course layouts
WHITING BAY GOLF COURSE – 18 holes
Whiting Bay Golf Course is an 18 hole Parkland, 4,063yards, 63 par, 63 SSS. 64 Ladies
Over the last four years the Club has invested time and resources into achieving a course that will satisfy all levels of player with the springy turf of a true links golf course. Professional advice and guidance, staff training have all led to a course that ensures an exciting game.
Both the ambience and views of the course ensure the stresses of everyday life are quickly diminished replaced by a sense of achievement and enjoyment.
After a short practice in the practice area a gentle climb from the 1st to the 4th tee bring you to the staggering views across Holy Isle, Ailsa Craig and the mainland beyond. Breathe the clean air as you decide how to tackle the 6th and 7th preparing you for the delights or hell of the 8th. If you felt the 8th was hell then be prepared for the devil in 10 and 11. Your efforts are rewarded when you reach the 16th whilst holding something in store for your trials at the 17th.
If you decide to stay awhile then the 18th is a beautiful spot for a picnic…Scottish Salmon sandwiches, a glass of cool wine….thoughts of the pleasures to come….
Both the ambience and views of the course ensure the stresses of everyday life are quickly diminished replaced by a sense of achievement and enjoyment.
After a short practice in the practice area a gentle climb from the 1st to the 4th tee bring you to the staggering views across Holy Isle, Ailsa Craig and the mainland beyond. Breathe the clean air as you decide how to tackle the 6th and 7th preparing you for the delights or hell of the 8th. If you felt the 8th was hell then be prepared for the devil in 10 and 11. Your efforts are rewarded when you reach the 16th whilst holding something in store for your trials at the 17th.
If you decide to stay awhile then the 18th is a beautiful spot for a picnic…Scottish Salmon sandwiches, a glass of cool wine….thoughts of the pleasures to come….
Lamlash Golf Course
THE ARRAN GOLF PASS
The bonus is you can play all seven courses with an Arran Golf Pass. The Arran Golfing Pass is £105 - save up to 30% on your Arran Golfing Experience. The Arran Golf Pass entitles the bearer to one round of golf on each of Arran's seven popular courses: Brodick, Corrie, Lamlash, Lochranza, Machrie Bay, Shiskine, & Whiting Bay.
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