Meall nan Damh & the Three Lochans

 | 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

This walk starts at Catacol, but instead of following the main path up the glen, climbs through native coastal woodland to the south to take in Lochan a’ Mhill before heading up to the promontory of Creagan nan Gobhar. From there the main peak of the day, Meall nan Damh (570m), is ascended, the exertion rewarded by spectacular views unfolding of the Kintyre peninsula, the Paps of Jura and Arran’s northern hills. Few other walkers stray onto this Marilyn, increasing chances of encountering mountain wildlife such as birds of prey, red deer and golden plover.

Southwest of Meall nan Damh lies the second lonely lochan, Lodan Ruadh, from which the bump of Meall Bhig is ascended. Below, the crystal-clear waters and white beaches of Coire Fhionn Lochan beckon, enclosed to the south by the 300m high crags of Coirein Lochan. Weather permitting, this may be a welcome place to stop for a refreshing footbath, before following the path down to the finish at Thundergay.

Please note that this walk is almost entirely on pathless terrain, so while distance and height gain are moderate, in some places it will be boggy and very rough underfoot.

Route Profile

 | Advised Kit List