A surprisingly rough and wild route to remote and beautiful Loch Tanna, Arran's biggest and most remote loch.
Bog Factor
Rough bouldery paths, very boggy in places. A short section of quiet road walking.
Carpark by Catacol Bridge.
Bus to Catacol.
NR909489
Begin from the car park on the south side of the bridge at the southern end of Catacol Bay. Cross the bridge and turn right onto a footpath, signposted Gleann Diomhan and Loch Tanna. This obvious path shadows the river Abhainn Mòr over rocky outcrops and heather-coated knolls before opening out into Glen Catacol.
Continue along the path - often boggy - as the river begins to change character and flow over vast granite slabs and form impressive rapids and waterfalls. Ignore paths leading left into Gleann Diomhan and onwards to Loch na Davie and keep right as the path begins to ascend towards the head of the glen. Ford a series of small burns as the path becomes rockier and progress slows alongside the fast-flowing creamy waters beneath Meall nan Damh.
The impressive waterfall of Allt nan Calman offers a tempting plunge pool ideal for a refreshing paddle, picnic or simply a breather as the gradient increases and the path braids to avoid the worst of the saturated ground.
Perseverance is rewarded as the ascent eases to reveal a large cairn and Loch Tanna beyond between the bulks of Beinns Tarsuinn and Bhreac. Continue over the watershed, and after a strangely minimal descent enjoy the golden sands of the loch shore.
Spend some time enjoying the solitude and silence of the largest and most remote loch on the island before returning by the same route.
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