There’s still time to join this year’s Arran Mountain Festival!
Corinna Goeckeritz
There’s still a chance to book on some fantastic hill walks during the 2011 Arran Mountain Festival, although spaces are limited and they are filling up quickly! As usual, all walks are led by qualified mountain leaders with lots of local knowledge. Groups are small and accompanied by a co-leader as well for extra support and banter, making for an intimate atmosphere. It’s not just about bagging hills in the safe hands of a guide – you’ll also find out about Arran’s natural and cultural history. On most walks, there are good chances of spotting some of Arran’s amazing mountain wildlife such as red deer and golden eagles. Take a look at the festival website to see what’s on offer.
How about the Goatfell Murder Walk, which leads you to the site where the body of Edwin Rose was discovered under a boulder 122 years ago. With the expertise of local historian Stuart Gough, make up your own mind: Was he murdered or did he fall to his death?
If you don’t fancy quite as big a hike, the Lochranza Laggan Loop takes you along the stunning coastline at the northern end of Arran. The route has some very interesting geological features and is steeped in history. There are usually plenty of seabirds to spot and with a bit of luck, the resident otters might be out to play!
Similarly, the Holy Isle walk offers a less strenuous and shorter, but by no means less rewarding and interesting, day. The Buddhist-owned island truly is a special place, with stunning views across to the main Arran hills. Even though it’s just a short boat ride away from Arran, it feels entirely different and definitely has its own atmosphere. Spot rare breed sheep, goats and ponies and admire colourful Buddhist rock paintings along the way. The walk is led by local wildlife guide Lucy Wallace and Andrew Binnie, the Community of Arran Seabed Trust’s (COAST) new project officer, so as well as finding out about the terrestrial wildlife, you’ll discover all about Arran’s pioneering No Take Zone and its inhabitants.
As last year, we are running a National Navigation Awards Scheme accredited navigation course. At the time of writing, there are still spaces available. This certificated one and a half day course will equip you with the basics for navigating in the hills using map and compass, so you can head out on your own in the future!
Even if you are an armchair mountaineer, there’s something for you in the festival programme. On Friday 16th September, don’t miss the second instalment of the “Best of Kendal” outdoor films. The film night in August was hugely popular, and we are hoping for an equally good turn-out for the second batch of adrenaline-pumping films. The evening is kindly sponsored by Wooleys the Bakers, who will be supplying tasty treats such as soup, filled rolls and mini-pizzas (food tickets are available on the door for an additional £5).
On Saturday night, after leading the A’Chir ridge walk, charismatic Mountain Guide Mick Tighe will entertain us with a lively illustrated talk about his mountaineering adventures in Scotland and Scandinavia. A professional guide and climber, Mick has a very impressive mountaineering CV. He has worked as a Mountain Rescue training officer and team leader of Lochaber Mountain Rescue. He also features in “The Pinnacle”, Friday night’s main film. So no doubt, he’ll have a few interesting stories to tell! The Shorehouse in Brodick is kindly sponsoring this event. Following the talk, it’s time to put on your dancing shoes for the annual Mountain Festival Ceilidh, when the String Road Potholes will keep you off your seats. All dances will be called, so even beginners can join in!
I hope we can tempt you to join in and celebrate Arran’s breath-taking mountains with us. Whether you are a first time visitor or a local, we very much hope you will support this community-run festival, be it by signing up for a walk, attending our evening events or by simply spreading the word!
A massive “thank you” is due to all the volunteer walk leaders and committee members and our sponsors and supporters, without who the festival would not be possible.
