Embrace the Wild - an unhurried mountain walk

New for 2026 -  This walk is all about the journey, travelling at a slower pace to allow participants to fully immerse themselves in the wild landscape of Arran's less frequented western hills.

Heading off the beaten track to summit Meall nan Damh and passing three remote lochans, expect plenty of stops to explore the area’s cultural and natural history, but also to quietly enjoy the wild surroundings and soak up views, sounds and smells.

Overview

Distance 7.5km

Highest Point Gained 570m – Meall nan Damh

Total Ascent 585m

Walk Duration 8hrs

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 18th May 2026

Meeting Time 08:45

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

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 can be 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.

Whilst this walk will be travelling at a slower pace, good fitness is still required due to the terrain and ascent/descent.

Conditions on the day will determine where the group may linger for longer, but the aim is to allow for some quiet
contemplation as well as sharing of stories about the mountains’ cultural and natural features.

This walk is organised by the Arran Mountain Festival, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC052229, supported by Auchrannie Leisure Ltd.