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This walk is a circular route, which can be walked in both directions. This description runs clockwise, but it could be walked anti-clockwise depending on the leaders’ preference. This walk starts and finishes in North Glen Sannox and climbs steeply to the top of Suidhe Fhearghas with its views down over the Clyde and Sannox. The crux of this route is Ceum na Caillich, the Witch’s Step.

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  Cir Mhor and Caisteal Abhail © Corinna Goeckeritz
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  Cir Mhor and Caisteal Abhail, top of Glen Sannox © Corinna Goeckeritz
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  Fionn Choire, Cir Mhor, Caisteal Abhail © Corinna Goeckeritz
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  View from the Caisteal Abhail @ Luke Furze

Distance: 10km
Highest point gained: 850m
Walk duration: 8hrs
Terrain: rough mountain paths, some steep sections, some hard scrambling
Technical Rating: Challenging
Blister Rating: 3

Walk description: Seen from many miles away the deep ‘V’ of the Ceum na Caillich (Witch’s Step) is one of the most distinctive features of the Arran hills. Up close it is an amazing and exposed place, the north side of the Step is rock climbing territory and this walk will skirt low around on safer ground. A scramble up and out of the Step and moving along the ridge that follows, are the most demanding parts of this route, this is rough mountain walking with some hard scrambling. The Castles lie at the end of this steep ridge and this, for many, will be the highlight of the walk. Great turrets of natural rock mark the top of Caisteal Abhail, looking like the remains of ancient castles that once guarded the heart of the Arran hills. Some of the best views to be seen on these hills are from here, with a panorama that takes in the whole island and beyond. North over Lochranza you can see up Loch Fyne, west out over to Jura, south-west looking down the massive Glen Iorsa with Spoon Island and Ireland visible, and to the south and east the high tops and dipping ridges of the Northern hills are visible. Cir Mhor stands to the south with the A'Chir Ridge stretching out beside it. Make sure you bring a camera! The final leg of this walk heads northwards down to Sail an Im and back down to the start.

ADVISED KIT LIST
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