Ad Astra - Isle of Arran 

Important information before you arrive 

This guide contains everything you need to know in advance to ensure a comfortable, safe and enjoyable stay.

What to bring

Our accommodation is self-catering so guests are required to plan accordingly. Bed linen and bath towels are provided as standard and every bed will be made up. Please note that guests are required to bring beach towels and the towels provided must not be taken out of the property. We will also start you off with some basics as listed below:

  • dishcloth
  • washing up liquid
  • starter pack of dishwasher tablets
  • starter pack of toilet rolls
  • hand soap


We are happy for guests to use any staple items which may be in the house such as cling film, kitchen foil, tea, coffee, sugar, olive oil, herbs etc but please ask that you replace anything that you finish. Thank you. Please note that we cannot guarantee that any of these items will be in your property.

If you are unsure of what to pack or don't want to bring everything but the kitchen sink, there are plenty of shops in Whiting Bay, Lamlash and Brodick where you can buy everything you need. Amazon do also deliver to the Island but please don't delivery times can take a little longer!

                                                                                            

Facilities

Bed linen

Bath towels (not beachtowels)

Heating

Two Wood burning stoves.

Garden Furniture to include Table, chairs and outdoor sofas

Charcoal BBQ

Smart TV

Washing machine, Tumble dryer, Microwave, Dishwasher, Fridge/Freezer, Nespresso Coffee machine , Wine Fridge

Board games, Books

Hairdriers

Iron & board

Vacuum Cleaner 

Travel cot (upon request)

High chair (upon request)

Access Arrangements

The keys will be in a keysafe which is located by the front door. If you have any problems with the key safe, please call 07900 661778. Please can you ensure that the key is put back in the key safe when you depart and scramble the numbers to lock the box. Thank you.

Keys for all the other external doors at the property are located in the doors themselves. 

Arrival and Departure times 

You may arrive anytime after 4pm on the day of arrival, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed. Departure time is 10am on the day of your departure.

Please note that particularly in the summer months when we have back to back bookings, the cleaners can be very stretched and do need the full amount of time available to them. It maybe that they need to do more than one property in the same day. Thank you for you understanding.

Directions to Ad Astra 

If using Sat Nav please use the postcode KA27 8PX

Directions from the Ferry Terminal in Brodick:

Directions via car

1. Leave the ferry terminal at Brodick

  • Drive off the ferry and follow signs for A841 (South / Lamlash / Whiting Bay).
  • You will turn left joining the main coastal road that loops around the island.

2. Continue towards Lamlash

  • After a few miles, you’ll enter Lamlash.
  • Drive through the village, keeping the sea on your left.
  • Ignore small side roads—stay on the A841.

3. Head from Lamlash to Whiting Bay

  • Continue south on the same road for about 4 miles.
  • You’ll see signs for Whiting Bay as you approach.
  • The road hugs the coastline with views of the sea.

4. Enter Whiting Bay village

  • As you arrive, you’ll pass the rec on your left and the Bay Stores and garage on your right.
  • Stay on the main road until you approach the main village (still A841).

6. Find Smiddy Brae

  • Before you reach the Whiting Bay car park on your right you will see a sign post to Smiddy Brae which is a residential road branching off the main street
  • You will turn inland (away from the seafront road)
  • There is a steep climb, a tight turn to the left and you will then approach a small road on your right which will have a number of different house signs (including Ad Astra)
  • Turn right along this road, Ad Astra is the second property on your right (you should see our bright blue roof before you see anything else)

Helpful tips

  • There’s essentially one main road south, so it’s hard to get lost.
  • Expect narrow sections and occasional bends—drive carefully.
  • Fuel up in Brodick if needed before heading out.
  • Mobile signal can be patchy—download offline maps if possible.

Directions Via Bus

1. Exit the ferry terminal

  • When you get off the ferry at Brodick, walk straight out to the bus stop just outside the terminal building.
  • The stop is clearly marked and timed to connect with ferry arrivals.

2. Catch the correct bus

  • Look for the 323 bus heading southbound (towards Lamlash / Whiting Bay / Blackwaterfoot).
  • The 323 is the main circular route around Arran, run by Stagecoach West Scotland.
  • Buses are usually timed to meet ferries, but it’s still worth checking ahead if you’re on a tight schedule.

3. Stay on through Lamlash

  • The bus will:
    • Leave Brodick
    • Travel along the coast
    • Pass through Lamlash village

No changes are needed—just stay on the same bus.

4. Get off at Whiting Bay

  • Ask the driver for “Whiting Bay” or the nearest stop for Smiddy Brae—they’re used to helping visitors.
  • The most convenient stop is in the centre of Whiting Bay, near local shops.

5. Walk to Smiddy Brae

  • From the main road (A841), walk inland (away from the sea).
  • Smiddy Brae is a short residential street just off the main road.
  • Walking time: 2–5 minutes depending on the exact stop.