Meall nan Damh & Three Lochans

Head off the beaten track in Arran's less walked western hills, passing three remote lochans.
Overview
Distance 7.5km
Highest Point Gained 570m - Meall nan Damh
Total Ascent 585m
Walk Duration 6hrs
Terrain Majority of walk on pathless, rough moorland, some of it boggy. Some steep ascents and descents.
Technical Rating Moderate
Endurance Rating 2
Cost £25
Date Monday 20 May 2024
Meeting Time 09:15
Meeting Place Festival Hub
Walk description
This walk starts at Catacol, but instead of following the main path up the glen, climbs through native coastal woodland to the south to take in Lochan a’ Mhill before heading up to the promontory of Creagan nan Gobhar. From there the main peak of the day, Meall nan Damh (570m), is ascended, the exertion rewarded by spectacular views unfolding of the Kintyre peninsula, the Paps of Jura and Arran’s northern hills. Few other walkers stray onto this Marilyn, increasing chances of encountering mountain wildlife such as birds of prey, red deer and golden plover.
Southwest of Meall nan Damh lies the second lonely lochan, Lodan Ruadh, from which the bump of Meall Bhig is ascended. Below, the crystal-clear waters and white beaches of Coire Fhionn Lochan beckon, enclosed to the south by the 300m high crags of Coirein Lochan. Weather permitting, this may be a welcome place to stop for a refreshing footbath, before following the path down to the finish at Thundergay.
Please note that this walk is almost entirely on pathless terrain, so while distance and height gain are moderate, in some places it will be boggy and very rough underfoot.

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