High Routes on the Isle of Arran

8 to 14 miles each day with up to 5,000 ft of ascent

Explore the most challenging and exhilarating routes on Arran’s mountains. The main walking area is composed of rough granite, often in the form of slabs or tors, and each of the major traverses covers several peaks, with sections of steep pathless terrain, some of which involves scrambling. Each day’s guided walk will be chosen from the following, however due to the challenging nature of the walks it may be necessary to change or modify routes.

The Northern Hills – Suidhe Fhearghas, Witch’s Step and the Castles

A fine horseshoe ridge around North Glen Sannox which gives wonderful views and good opportunities to spot red deer, peregrine falcon and golden eagle. Up the slopes of Suidhe Fhearghas follow the ridge to the great cleft of the Witch’s Step (Ceum na Caillich).  The highest peak on the walk is the twin-summits of the Castles (Caisteal Abhail). The walk continues along the ridge, to Sail an Im and then down into North Glen Sannox.

The Western Hills

The Western Hills is an area well worth a visit for its peaceful charm, splendid isolation and wonderful views across Kilbrannon Sound to Kintyre, Islay, Paps of Jura and even Northern Ireland. From Pirnmill scramble up the north-eastern rim of Coire Roinn (known as Barnacle Ridge) to reach Mullach Buidhe the highest point of the mountain chain. Along the ridge to Beinn Bharain, then retrace to Mullach Buidhe. The undulating ridge northwards over Beinn Bhreac takes us into Glen Catacol.

Cioch na h’Oighe and the Goatfell Ridge

Walk from Sannox up into the edge of the Devil’s Punchbowl and ascend the ridge to the Cioch. This scrambling route continues to North Goatfell and over the famous Stacach Ridge, via The Pinnacles, to Arran’s highest peak, Goatfell (2866ft).  Descend to the sawmill at Brodick Castle. Wonderful views and an exhilarating walk. Keep your eyes peeled for golden eagle and ptarmigan.

Arran’s Finest Horseshoe Ridge

The circuit around Coire a’Bhradain is considered to be the finest on Arran. Never dropping below 2000ft, the ridge takes in the summits of Beinn a’Chliabhain, Beinn Tarsuinn and Beinn Nuis. The route is full of interest, with stunning views and unusual geological features. Look out for Mr Magoo and The Old Man of Tarsuinn. Look out, too, for hen harrier and golden eagle.

The Great Central Ridge

Our route takes us up Coire Lan from Corrieburn to North Goatfell and down the northwest ridge to The Saddle, from which we ascend Cir Mhor, with a short stretch of scrambling near the top. This provides one of the best viewpoints on the island. We descend southwest to the col north of A’Chir and descend into Glen Rosa.