Red deer on Arran

Red deer stag

There are 4 species of wild deer in Scotland but only one on Arran – the Red Deer. The red deer is easily recognisable and can be found on the open hills throughout the year and is often seen from the String Road.

Deer roaming through the glen 

Since the native wolf population disappeared there are no natural predators of deer, but numbers do not range out of control as Mother Nature naturally culls by providing harsh winters and limited food supplies.  In addition, there is an active Deer Management policy across Arran. Deer on Arran are counted every March, using helicopters to access more remote glens, and these numbers help to determine management policies

A Hind  

The stags weigh around 150 – 240 kg, and the hinds 110 – 170kg.  Stags are typically around 4 foot tall at the shoulder, but the neck, head and antlers make them appear much larger.

The velvet covering on new antlers

The antlers are shed each year at the end of winter.  New growth is covered with velvet, before this is shed to reveal the calcified horn below. October is the time of the mating season, known as the rut.  Bellows ring out through the glens and stags can be seen pacing parallel to each other as they assess their components size before either retreating or fighting to secure harems of hinds. If a fight does happen, serious injury can be inflicted by the antlers.  After the rut, at the start of winter coats become thicker and in stags a ‘mane’ can sometimes be seen.

Stags often collect branches and other debris on their antlers during the rut - it may be an attempt to make the antlers appear larger and therefore be a more formidable opponent. 

Brodick Castle has an amazing collection of 87 mounted stag heads adorning the walls of the main hall and staircase. These show off the antlers and just how lethal a weapon they can be.  A stag with 14 points is known as an Imperial, and one with 12 points a Royal.  Large numbers of points are only found in mature stags.

2 Stags in winter coats

Red deer, as wild animals, belong to no-one, however, the right to shoot an animal lies with the owner of the land and this is done through stalking, usually with a trained gamekeeper and only at certain times of the year.

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.