Winter Walking - not a miniature adventure!

Glen Iorsa and Loch  Tanna. Taken September 2012 on a clear day. 

The larger mountains such as Goatfell as Caisteal Abhail draw enthusiastic hill walkers of all abilities through out the year and the slightly lower fells on the western side often get overlooked.

Deer at Lochan a Mhill. The Loch was partially frozen. 26th January 2013. 10.00am

However, these fells provide challenges that can stretch any seasoned hiker and provide some stunning walking, not to mention the '4 seasons in one day' experience!!

Red deer are easy to spot for quiet walkers.

The majority of peaks / routes on this side of the island are pathless and require some navigational skills (unless you are remarkably lucky with the weather and have your crystal ball to ensure it won't change).

26th January 2013 - Reaching the snow line, Meall nan Damh. 10.30am

As the routes are pathless and through rugged terrain, the mileage takes a lot longer and saps energy as heather is battled with, boggy bits squelched through, and streams crossed.  Slopes are often steep, which is no problem going up, but fairly treacherous coming down, especially when its wet.  This year many a stream has turned into a raging torrent forcing walkers to detour or take risks they were not expecting.

26th January 2013 - Watch that cloud. 12.00pm

The Island does have a mountain rescue team (and a very good one), but these are not the catch all  and anyone making a foray into the hills should be well prepared. To start with why not fill out a 'going to the hills' form, which can be found on this link. A map and compass should be carried, the ability to walk on a bearing, a survival bag, extra clothing, food and having let someone know where you are going are fairly essential, not to mention having a 'plan b and c'.  A mobile phone may or may not be of any use as signal coverage is poor and cannot be relied upon. In some instances a text may get through, so have you registered your phone to enable 999 texting?  If not do so, the link is here for instructions.

26th January 2013 -  Gale force winds and severe wind chill. This was forecast and expected.  12.45pm.  

Visibility can quickly disappear and terrain become featureless.

For those wanting a good walk and not an epic, there are some paths at lower levels to places such as Loch Tanna and Loch Iorsa.  However, even the track to Loch Iorsa has a fairly deep ford to cross, but in reality this route could be done in wellingtons.  The path towards Loch Tanna has numerous wet and boggy bits, with a few streams as well and does really need walking boots due to the rocky surface.

26th January 2013 - On the way home, Allt nan Calman usually a trickle to be crossed on the Loch Tanna path.  3pm

Other routes slightly south of Dougarie Lodge include the Kings Cave, Machrie Moor standing stones, or further north there are numerous routes around the Cock of Arran and Lochranza.

Two of our holiday houses are particularly suited to walking groups as they have single and twin rooms. Details can be found on our website. 

Images courtesy of Arran in Focus.