Guided Walking for Solos on the Isle of Arran

Easier Walks          Medium Walks          Harder Walks

Easier Walks are on generally well-graded coastal, moorland and forest paths. Medium Walks use rougher mountain and moorland paths. Harder Walks follow rough mountain paths with some exposed ridges and rock scrambling.

• Our experienced guides offer the choice of up to three different walks each day
• Choose the option which best suits your interests and fitness; take an Easier Walk one day and switch to a Harder Walk the next
• We offer a social activity each evening   

2012 - holidays for Solos

7 night holidays
Days 1-7: Sat 30 June; Sat 4 Aug

4 night holidays
Days 1-4: Sat 30 June; Sat 4 Aug

3 night holidays
Days 5-7: Wed 4 July; Wed 8 Aug

Day 3: The West Coast

Easier Walk: The highlight of the Easier Walk is the visit to the impressive Bronze Age stone circle at Machrie Moor. From here we'll head to the coast and pass King's Cave, the legendary hiding place of Robert the Bruce, before continuing to the coastal village of Blackwaterfoot. 8½ miles with 425 feet of ascent. 

Medium Walk: Starting from the curiously named hamlet of Mid Thundergay we'll ascend beside the burn to Coire-Fhion, a dramatic glacial lake. The route continues upwards to the summit of Meall Boirach, before the descent to Glen Catacol and Catacol Bay. 8 miles with 2,125 feet of ascent.

Harder Walk: The Harder Walk traverses Arran's western ridge. Starting from Pirnmill we'll head first to the summit of Beinn Bharrain which enjoys views across the water to the Kintyre Peninsula. We continue around this broad ridge to Beinn Bhreac before descending into Glen Catacol and back to the coast at Catacol Bay. 9 miles with 3,075 feet of ascent.

Evening: In the evening a visiting speaker will tell you more about Arran's fascinating history or wildlife.

Day 4: Glen Rosa and the Three Beinns 

Easier Walk: Glen Rosa is an immense glacial valley surrounded by Arran's highest peaks. The good path along the base of the valley enables all walkers to appreciate this most dramatic of landscapes. Later we'll head through the grounds of Brodick Castle and along the seashore into Brodick. 5½ miles with 175 feet of ascent.

 Medium Walk: The Medium Walk starts in Glen Rosa and ascends to the summit of Beinn a'Chliabhain, one of the peaks on the western side of the valley. On the descent route there is often the opportunity to see red deer. 9 miles with 2,225 feet of ascent.

Harder Walk: The circuit of the 'Three Beinns' is a classic horseshoe walk. We start by ascending Beinn a'Chliabhain and then continue around this spectacular ridge to Beinn Tarsuinn and Beinn Nuis with excellent views throughout. 10½ miles with 3,250 feet of ascent. 

Day 5:

For 3 night holidays arriving today, this is your chance to meet your leaders.

If you have booked a 7 night holiday, today is a free day with no guided walks organised. This is a great opportunity to explore the the Isle of Arran independently - see the Local Area tab for places that you may enjoy visiting.

Day 6: Cir Mhor, Glen Sannox and the East Coast

Easier Walk: Starting from Sannox Bay this route follows the unspoilt coast path north as far as Laggan cottage. Here we leave the coast and head inland, crossing the hill and descending to the village of Lochranza where you'll find a ruined castle and whiskey distillery. 8 miles with 850 feet of ascent.

Medium Walk: Glen Sannox is a beautiful and dramatic glacial valley which gives access to some of Arran's most impressive peaks. We'll walk the length of the valley and then ascend to the Saddle, a high col amidst superb mountain scenery. We'll descend into the equally impressive Glen Rosa and continue to the grounds of Brodick Castle. 8¼ miles and 1,550 feet of ascent.

Harder Walk: The Harder Walk also follows Glen Sannox as far as the Saddle but then continues ascending to the summit of Cir Mhor, Arran's most dramatic peak. We'll also visit the neighbouring summit of Caisteal Abhail before descending beside North Sannox Burn to conclude a truly memorable walk. 8¼ miles with 3,400 feet of ascent. 

Day 7: Glenashdale Falls and Goatfell

Easier Walk: Today we take the bus to the neighbouring village of Whiting Bay, from where we walk inland to visit the Giants Graves and the impressive Glenashdale waterfalls. From here we'll walk through the forest to Meallach's Grave, a chambered Bronze Age tomb, and on to Lamlash and Altachorvie. 8½ miles with 650 feet of ascent.

Medium Walk: An opportunity to ascend to the top of Goatfell, Arran's highest peak. We ascend from the village of Corrie on a generally good path which culminates in an easy scramble over the rocks to the summit itself. With luck you'll enjoy the extensive view which can stretch over the Kintyre Peninsula to the islands of Islay and Jura, to the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland and the peaks of the Highlands. From the summit we take the popular 'tourist' path which descends to Brodick Castle. 6½ miles with 2,850 feet of ascent.

Harder Walk: This exhilarating walk takes a more adventurous route to the summit of Goatfell. Starting from Sannox we'll first climb to the summit of Cioch-na-h-Oighe and then continue along this magnificent narrow and rocky ridge. Passing over the top of North Goatfell, we'll scramble to the top of Goatfell before the more gently graded descent along the 'tourist' path to Brodick Castle. 7½ miles with 3,350 feet of ascent.

Evening: The final evening of the week at Altachorvie is our traditional 'Scottish' night. Celebrate the culmination of a great holiday with a piper and a spectacular haggis supper.

Local transport

On some days the walks start and finish at our Country House, Altachorvie. On other days you’ll be transported to other parts of the Isle of Arran. The cost of all transport to and from the walks is included in the price of your holiday.

Our guests

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. There is normally a good mix of ages, of new guests and 'regulars' from Britain and overseas. On our special holidays for Solos the entire Country House is given over to single guests.  

In the evenings

Your leaders will inform you about the choice of walks for the next day and answer any questions you may have. After a sociable evening meal you could join in an organised activity such as a quiz or a talk about the local area, relax in the bar or use the Country House facilities.