A Magnificent Week on Arran (Part 3)

[johnkaysleftleg]

Links to parts one and two;

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=64093
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=64500

Following a lovely day spent around Lochranza I returned on the evening for the sunset which was quite magical in such a beautiful setting.

Reflections at Lochranza by Anthony Young, on Flickr

In the Evening by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Lochranza Sunset by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Romantic Lochranza by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Caisteal Abhail, 10.5km 838m, 2nd June 2016

I was a bit undecided as to what would be our final hill walk of the week on the Thursday but following consideration of the Three Bienns walk or Cir Mhor by some route I decided upon a fairly modest route up the Corbett of Caisteal Abhail. Given the weather, which was just getting hotter if anything, and the dry conditions underfoot I thought this normally soggy walk would be a good choice.

Another glorious morning (in my head all mornings on Arran are like this ) we set off up the excellent path by North Sannox Burn. It was understandably slow going given the heat but the promise of a paddle in the burn once we returned from the summit was a fine incentive.

North Sannox Burn by Anthony Young, on Flickr


Higher up the Burn by Anthony Young, on Flickr

The skyline of Caisteal Abhail is a fantastic sight once it hones into view on your left, resembling a prone warrior in armour it just adds to the romance of the special island. Once across the Burn we started what would normally be a very wet ascent of Sail an Im, today however it was just a little soft and we made the steady climb with ever improving views to the North.

The Sleeping Warrior by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Heading up Sail an Im by Anthony Young, on Flickr

On Sail an Im by Anthony Young, on Flickr

At this point the path became a little indistinct and we followed a trod on the right hand slopes. It quickly became obvious that wherever this was headed it wasn't the ridge so we had to make a sharp ascent back up and soon decided to have lunch perched upon one of the granite tors with views of the summit ahead of us.

Panorama from Lunch Stop by Anthony Young, on Flickr (Click on pic to see big version)

Fed and watered it was then an easy walk up to the summit of Caisteal Abhail, passing more wonderful tors and views, before we final ascended the highest 'castle' and topped out on the mountain. It was a fabulously clear day but for all the wonderful distant views it was once again the views of Arran itself that took the breath away. Cir Mhor looked perhaps even more stunning from here with it's fine ridges draped is several directions from its pointed summit. We lingered and had a few more rations while taking it all in before reluctantly starting off down.

Grace and Nicola on the Ridge by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking down to Creag Dhubh by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Panorama to the North by Anthony Young, on Flickr (Click on pic to see large version)

The A'Chir ridge by Anthony Young, on Flickr

On of the Castles by Anthony Young, on Flickr

High Above it All by Anthony Young, on Flickr (click on pic to see large version)

Hughie takes a breather. by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Hughie and Grace on the Summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr

We followed the Walkhighlands description down the middle ridge to the North. It was nice easy going for the most part but did get more stony with a few slabs thrown it further down. It was on one of those stones that Grace spotted an Adder sunbathing. Somewhat taken aback by the sight of a poisonous snake she yelled out and (i'd wandered past without noticing) I quickly re-ascended to get a glimpse (and photos) of an animal I'd wanted to see in the wild for years. It was a real privileged to see an Adder, what a beautiful creature.

Heading down the middle ridge by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Adder by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Disappearing Adder by Anthony Young, on Flickr

On slabs towards the bottom of the Ridge by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Crossing North Sannox Burn by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Our remaining walk back was uneventful (crossing North Sannox burn would be very difficult following heavy rain) and we stopped off close to the car to dip our feet in the deliciously cool burn for a perfect finish to a great day out in the hills.

Kildonan and Whiting Bay, 3rd June 2016

Hughie's little feet had had enough of the rough granite come our last day so we headed down to Kildonan for a potter along the beach with views of Pladda lighthouse and Ailsa Craig out to sea. This is another stunning place and also very favored by the wealthy judging by some of the water front properties.

Pladda with Ailsa Craig by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Kildonan by Anthony Young, on Flickr


Geology by Anthony Young, on Flickr

We once again headed to Whiting Bay for another delicious burger at COAST (highly recommended) and a wander around the beach before reluctantly heading back to the cottage to pack up.

Dramatic Skies at Whiting Bay by Anthony Young, on Flickr

High and Dry by Anthony Young, on Flickr


Groves by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Holy Island from Whiting Bay by Anthony Young, on Flickr

It had been a truly amazing week spent on a magical Island. If you've never visited Arran it's certainly time you rectified that situation, it's magnificent. Mind you given the weather we enjoyed how could I say anything different?

[Porterfield73]

Three wonderful reports, off to Arran next month, can't wait!

[johnkaysleftleg]

Three wonderful reports, off to Arran next month, can't wait!

Thank you, fingers crossed for the weather!