Venturing off the beaten track into Arran’s much quieter western hills, this route links picturesque Glens Catacol and Iorsa via the remote peak of Sail Chalmadale.

Overview

Distance 15.5km

Highest Point Gained 480m – Sail Chalmadale

Total Ascent 550m

Walk Duration 7hrs

Terrain pathless, rough & boggy terrain for 50% of walk, remainder on rough upland paths; short section of steep descent.

Technical Rating Moderate

Endurance Rating 3

Cost £25

Date Friday 16th May 2025

Meeting Time 08:30

Meeting Place Festival Hub at the Auchrannie Playbarn. Transport to the start & finish of this walk is provided from there.

Walk description

Starting at the picturesque hamlet of Catacol on Arran’s rugged west coast, the route heads into the glen of the same name, where a rough mountain path gently climbs into the hills, accompanied by the burbling waters of the Abhainn Mòr, the Big River. The trail steepens, and eventually reaches the shores of Loch Tanna, Arran’s largest freshwater loch, nestled into remote moorland in the heart of the western hills. Here, the faint path peters out completely, but in return stunning views of the Arran mountains begin to unfold all around. Following the shores of the lonely loch, a second, smaller waterbody is passed, the Dubh Loch. Shortly after, a small ridge is gained and ascended to reach the summit of Sail Chalmadale. Despite its modest height of less than 500m, due to its isolation the small peak feels lofty and affords brilliant views of Arran and beyond.

Following a steep descent from the summit, a faint trail is picked up, which threads its way through tussocky
moorland past Loch Sail Chalmadale, more of a lochan than a loch, and eventually meets the Glen Iorsa track. A ford is crossed, and the easy track followed westwards. The public footpath detouring around Dougarie Lodge
involves another small amount of uphill, winding through wood- and farmland before finally descending to the finish of the walk at Dougarie boathouse.

This walk is organised by the Arran Mountain Festival, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC 052229, supported by Auchrannie Leisure Ltd.