Sail Chalmadale – Arran’s wild west

 | Overview

Technical Rating

Moderate  

Easy scrambling, elements of exposure, some rough terrain.

Endurance Rating

3  

Sustained steep ascents and descents, long-distance, stamina required, suitable for fit walkers. Have you had recent experience of walking for 6-8 hours? Have you recently walked up (and down) a mountain of over 1000m (3000ft) in height without physical distress? Do you regularly play an aerobic sport pretty much every week? 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 the picturesque hamlet of Catacol on Arran’s rugged west coast, the route heads into the glen of the same name, where a rough mountain path gently climbs into the hills, accompanied by the burbling waters of the Abhainn Mòr, the Big River. The trail steepens, and eventually reaches the shores of Loch Tanna, Arran’s largest freshwater lake, nestled into remote moorland in the heart of the western hills. Here, the faint path peters out completely, but in return stunning views of the Arran mountains begin to unfold all around. Following the shores of the lonely loch, a second, smaller waterbody is passed, the Dubh Loch. Shortly after, a small ridge is gained and ascended to reach the summit of Sail Chalmadale. Despite its modest height of less than 500m, due to its isolation the small peak feels lofty and affords brilliant views of Arran and beyond.

Following a steep descent from the summit, a faint trail is picked up, which threads its way through tussocky moorland past Loch Sail Chalmadale, more of a lochan than a loch, and eventually meets the Glen Iorsa track. A ford is crossed, and the easy track followed westwards. The public footpath detouring around Dougarie Lodge involves another small amount of uphill, winding through wood- and farmland before finally descending to the finish of the walk at Dougarie boathouse.

Route Profile

 | Advised Kit List