This walk is the Arran Mountain Festival’s signature walk, and has been described as possibly the finest island ridge traverse outside Skye!
If you love scrambling and have a head for heights, this is the walk for you! The A'Chir ridge is a superb mountain, easily providing the most exciting and challenging ridge traverse on Arran short of actual rock climbing routes. However, it is not to be underestimated: THIS WALK WILL EXPOSE YOU TO VERTICAL DROPS, DOWN-CLIMBING, ROPE WORK, AND MAYBE SOME ABSEILING. Come and experience Pagoda Ridge, Le Mauvais Pas, narrow grooves, awkward moves, wriggling and sliding, and exhilaration!
Distance: 15km
Highest point gained: 745m
Walk duration: 9hrs
Terrain: serious scrambling with ropes, rough mountain paths, steep sections
Technical Rating: Extreme
Blister Rating: 3
Walk description: There is plenty of time to warm up before the going gets tough! The walk into Glen Rosa makes for a gentle start, although you'll soon start heading up the steep slopes of the Garbh Allt burn before heading higher still to the summit of Beinn a'Chliabhain (653m). From its lofty heights and fine granite rock formations, you'll be able to admire the craggy ridge you'll soon attempt to scale. With a bit of luck the stunning views, and maybe even an encounter with mountain wildlife like red deer and golden eagle, might take your mind off the forthcoming challenge. Let’s face it, you'll be excited and also a wee bit nervous of what lies ahead! The ridge starts to look even more imposing as some height is lost descending down to the col. The first section to the summit stone of A'Chir (745m) is the "easy" bit... By now the adrenaline should be fairly kicking in! Just as well those bad steps and tricky moves are made possible by the highly experienced leader, and some climbing rope! After picking your way through huge granite tors and slabs, the descent will take you into Fionn Choire, with Cir Mhor towering to the north. The path follows a tributary of the Rosa Burn, which will keep you company all the way down the glen back to the campsite.
This walk is led by a very experienced Mountaineering Instructor whose qualifications are more advanced to those needed by the leaders on our other walks. You MUST have a good level of fitness, a head for heights and previous scrambling experience to take part. A full traverse of the A'Chir ridge is dependent on good weather conditions on the day: in the interest of group safety, the route may be adapted accordingly.
Suggested Hill Clothing
NO jeans – anyone wearing jeans will not be allowed to start the walk, and no refund will be possible
Stout hill walking boots
Appropriate walking trousers, top layers and fleece – preferably no cotton layers
Suggested minimum daysac contents
Waterproof (not showerproof) trousers
Waterproof (not showerproof) jacket
Spare fleece (in addition to one being worn)
Spare socks
Woollen or fleece hat
Gloves
Packed lunch and drink
Any personal medicines
Sun cream and insect repellent
What's Included
- Minibus transport from Arran Adventure Centre
- The services of a fully qualified mountain leader
Meeting point
Arran Adventure Centre: located in the grounds of the Auchrannie Spa Resort, at the rear of leisure facilities.
How to make a booking
Make your selection below and proceed through to the secure payment section and your booking will be confirmed by e-mail. Alternatively, please ring the Adventure Centre during normal office hours.
Useful Links
VisitArran - online guide to the Isle of Arran with accommodation listing
Brodick Castle & Country Park - download a trails leaflet
Arran Coastal Way - 64 miles long through inspiration scenery
The Holy Isle - an ancient spiritual retreat and nature reserve
COAST (Community of Arran Seabed Trust) - Stunning images of the seabed and lots of info on Lamlash Bay. Support COAST with free membership!
Forestry Commission for information on walks on the Isle of Arran
A Cicerone Guide, Paddy Dillon 'Walking on the Isle of Arran'
Mountaineering Council of Scotland - a volunteer rescue scheme
Terms & Conditions
Full details of terms and conditions are available on the Arran Mountain Festival website.
Payment is required at the time of booking to guarantee your place. No refunds can be given unless the organisers cancel the walk due to circumstances beyond their control.
Cost
Adult (18+) - £50.00