Whitebeams & Wildlife of the Western Hills

This walk gives an opportunity to learn about the Arran Whitebeams, as well as experiencing a range of mountain wildlife. Arran is home to three species of tree which do not occur anywhere else in the world, the Arran Whitebeam (Sorbus arranensis), Cut-leaved Whitebeam (Sorbus pseudofennica) and Catacol Whitebeam (Sorbus pseudomeinichii).

 | Overview

Technical Rating

Moderate  

Easy scrambling, elements of exposure, some rough terrain.

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.

 | Photo Gallery

 | 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 527m, 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 soon picks up a path again, traversing around the head of Glen Catacol to the col at the north end of Beinn Bhreac. From here the route descends to the beautifully remote Coire Fhionn Lochan and thence down to Thundergay and the Kilbrannan Sound.

Route Profile

 | Advised Kit List