Whitebeams & Wildlife of the Western Hills

 | Overview

Technical Rating

Easy  

Some hands-on clambering over rocks but no exposure, generally on good paths, occasional rough or muddy ground underfoot. This is the easiest technical grade we offer, but we recommend that you have at least some hillwalking practice before you arrive.

Endurance Rating

2  

Long distance, some steep ascent and descent, moderate amount of stamina needed in bursts, suitable for reasonably fit walkers. Have had recent experience of walking for 5-7 hours? Have you recently walked up (and down) hills without physical too much distress? If your answer is "No", we'd guess you'd be happier doing a walk rated a level lower than the one you’ve just read! As noted previously, we're into FUN so we don't want you to miss out by overdoing it.

 | Walk description

Starting at Catacol, this route uses the path up Glen Catacol and into Gleann Diomhan. Look out for adders along the way! You will spend some time there looking at the Arran Whitebeams, which are Scotland’s rarest native trees. Whilst the Arran Whitebeam was first recorded in 1897, the Catacol Whitebeam was only found as recently as 2007. In global terms, they are officially classed as dangerously close to extinction.
From there, you will leave the path and head steeply up onto Beinn Tarsuinn, the highest point of the walk at 556m, and the haunt of golden plovers, golden eagles and red deer. You will continue across wet, pathless terrain and descend to Loch Tanna under the scree slopes of Beinn Bharrain, where you may see some early sundew and cotton grass. The route then rises from the loch to reach Coire Fhionn Lochan where we can have a paddle before heading down the path to Thundergay, enjoying the wonderful views out over to Kintyre and beyond.

 | Advised Kit List