A hop on the train and a short ferry ride away from Glasgow lies an island that was recently crowned one of the UK's most beautiful.
Luxury travel mag Suitcase named the Isle of Arran as just one of two Scottish islands, along with the Isle of Eigg, in their top nine nationwide list.
Writers picked out Arran's 'moss-green lowlands, rocky rising crags, heather-blanketed hills and heavily forested glens' as just some of the reasons for its beauty. And it's hard to disagree.
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With the bank holiday upon us, we'd very much advise you to shell out just £17.80 for a return trip from Glasgow Central to the island's anointed capital, Brodick.
Here's why we feel it's worth a visit to the island best described as 'Scotland in miniature'.
A climb up Goatfell
For generations - and no doubt generations more - the origins of the name Goatfell will continue to be debated and hotly contested.
But what isn't in doubt is the popularity of Arran's summit, which provides for a hugely popular hike, especially in the summer months.
At 2,867 ft, it's hugely accessible - anyone who has taken a trip up there will have likely crossed paths with energetic young kids, intrepid dogs and walkers of all ages and abilities.
It gets a little tough the closer you get to the top, but it's well worth that final push for the views (on a clear day, at least). Treat yourself to an ice cold pint at The Wineport or a trip to the Isle of Arran Brewery when you get to the bottom.
Take in two terrific castles
If you're a fan of castle hunting, Arran's your place.
A visit to the magnificent Brodick Castle, surrounded by its beautiful gardens and country park is the most popular, on account of its excellent exhibitions and tours.
However if you happen to be in the north of the island, it's worth a wander around the ruins of Lochranza Castle, a quaint setting which provides fantastic views out to the Kintyre peninsula.
A wee dram of Arran Whisky
A trip to the island's north and the village of Lochranza is well worth a visit, especially if you're a fan of the dram.
One of Scotland's few remaining independently-owned distilleries, Arran Whisky is hugely popular on the island, throughout Scotland and across the globe.
The impressive young distillery does excellent tours and tasting, while its CASKS cafe is worth a stop off for a coffee and some cake.
Take in the island's natural beauty
Of course, with the island having been crowned as one of the country's most beautiful, you'd be remiss not to check out some of its best natural beauty spots.
An area frequently found on the Arran bucket list is the Glen Rosa Waterfall and Blue Pool, where people occasionally jump in for a wild swim.
Meanwhile, for history buffs, an essential visit would be to the Machrie Moor Standing Stones, near Blackwaterfoot, date to between 3500 and 1500 BC.
The walk to and from Glenashdale Falls, considered the best on Arran, at Whiting Bay is also worth the trip, while for the hardened hikers on an extended trip, they may opt to take on the Arran coastal walk, a 65-mile circular route around the whole island.
Stop by the Arran Cheese shop
If you're a fan of cheese, then a trip to Arran Cheese shop is a must. You may have seen the delicious Arran Cheese, some of the best in Scotland, stocked at the odd greengrocer across Glasgow, or perhaps at a Christmas market, but here you'll have its many flavours and varieties all under one roof.
Shop staff will occasionally let you try before you buy too, meaning you'll get to sample the very best of it before you take some home on the ferry.
Go golfing
Despite its fairly small size, Arran has an incredible seven golf courses and is a popular location for a weekend golf trip.
Situated at Brodick, Corrie, Lamlash, Lochranza, Machrie, Shiskine and Whiting Bay, the variety across the island leads to some stunning golf holes, many by the sea and others inland.
And to make things easy, you can purchase an Arran Golf Course to enjoy them all for one fee.
Go on an Arran food and drink trail
Arran isn't short of top food and drink options. Consider booking yourself into the Stag's Pavilion near Lochranza - it can often be booked out weeks in advance - which is considered by as the top restaurant on the island, with diners hailing their lamb dish as one of the best they've had.
For drinks with a view, consider The Pierhead Tavern in Lamlash, which has a lovely terrace looking out onto the water, while Arran Botanical Drinks is a one-of-a-kind cocktail bar on the beach transporting you somewhere a little more exotic - and another great place for a cooling drink after the return hike down from Goatfell.
Of course, you could go for the classically Scottish island experience and tuck in to some fish and chips - by the majority of accounts, Mara's Fish Bar and Deli in Corrie is the place to be, where you'll also find the likes of delicious fresh langoustines and Goan fish curries.
For more on Arran, everything you can do to there and how to get to and from the island, make sure you head to the Visit Arran website here.
