Where is the Adventure?

The Isle of Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde and the seventh-largest Scottish island. Accessible by ferry from Ardrossan south of Glasgow, it is also extremely accessible. Sometimes described as a 'Scotland in minature', it also has lowland and highland areas quite distinct.

About the Adventure:

We'll spend three days hiking the mountains of Arran over this weekend of June. We are teaming up with Sean from Northern Mountain Guides who grew up on Arran. These mountains were literally his childhood playground so we'll have a local expert at hand! Across the long weekend of guided hiking, we will take in Arrans most dramatic granite peaks including the 3 Beinns, Cir Mhor, and of course the highest - Goat Fell. We've put together an itinerary but please bear in mind that which days we hike different mountains will depend on the group and the weather.

Friday 27th June

Ferry crossings are at 1230, 1520, 1800 and 2030 on a Friday from Ardrossan harbour to Brodick on Arran. The ferry costs £10.20 per person and £41 for a vehicle return. Please note that before the event we will be in touch to see who is willing to car share to save on costs. It will be your responsibility to arrange your transport and accommodation according to your preference.

There are plenty of places to stay on Arran - from campsites, hostels, B&Bs and hotels. We will be based at Lamlash on Arran.

Please click the links above to see locations in google maps, and Caledonian MacBrayne (the ferry company) for bookings.

Saturday 28th June - The Three Beinns via Glen Rosa

A horseshoe to rival the best horseshoe routes anywhere in the UK. Taking one of the largest glens in to the heart of Arran where you can see where the glaciers came up against baked magma rock which forced the glacier to change direction creating a dog-legged valley. Once within the valley we head for the hills with Beinn Nuis as our 1st target of the day, shortly followed by Beinn Tarsuinn. In between these 2 summits, we will take a slight off-path detour to view the wreckage of an American WW2 plane which crashed into Beinn Nuis in 1944. After Beinn Tarsuinn we are at the top of the horseshoe route where on a good day we can view the Paps of Jura approximately 30 miles away. It is then onto the final Beinn of the day, Beinn a’ Bhradain and back into the Glen Rosa Valley.

Sunday 29th June - Cir Mhor

Starting in another jaw dropping Arran Valley, we will take the Glen Sannox route up to Cir Mhor. A perfect rocky cone, known as the Matterhorn of Arran, Cir Mhor is the result of 3 glaciers eroding back-to-to back. After summiting we will make the decision whether to retrace our tracks back down the valley, or we have the option of traversing across to North Goatfell via the Saddle and then down the ridge line that takes in Mullach Buidhe and Cioch na h-Oighe, depending on time.

In the evening, we'll meet to go out for dinner on our final evening on the island - purely optional of course!

Monday 30th June - Goatfell

We leave the highest point of Arran until the final day. A very straightforward route to the roof of the island, standing at 874m Goat Fell is owned by the National trust for Scotland. From Goat Fell we can cast our eyes across the valleys to the peaks to the west and north which we conquered the previous days. Once back off Goat Fell, you are free to either go for the next ferry to head home, or stay an extra night to experience Arrans hospitality for one more night.

For those looking to get back home that evening, ferries depart at 1640 and 1920.