Route: Coire-Fhionn Lochan
Area: Scotland, Isle of Arran
Date of walk: 20th October 2021
Walkers: Andrew, Gilly and James
Distance: 3.7 miles
Ascent: 1,100 feet
Weather: Mixed sun and cloud
Earlier in the morning we’d set off to climb Goatfell, the highest mountain on Arran, but rain set in during the early part of the ascent and we opted to turn back before becoming overly committed to the walk. We decided instead to head away from the mountains in search of better weather, and found some on the west coast. We parked by the sea on one of the roadside spaces at the tiny settlement of Thundergay, where a signpost indicates the way to Coire-Fhionn Lochan. A couple of seals popped up their heads out of the sea and gazed at us inquisitively as we set off
After passing the last of the houses we started the climb up the bracken clad slopes and crossed a ladder stile beside a tall gate in a deer fence. A burn known as Uisge Soluis Mhoir was our constant companion as we continued uphill, featuring a series of waterfalls all of which were in good form following plentiful recent rain. On a couple of occasions we crossed the burn via stepping stones
Eventually we arrived at our destination, Coire-Fhionn Lochan, which has a white gravel beach and is surrounded by impressive mountains. It was a perfect spot to enjoy our picnic, after which we retraced our steps back to the start, enjoying some wonderful sea views along the way
For anyone looking for a longer and more adventurous walk, this route could easily be extended to include the peak of Meall Biorach at 1,898 feet
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
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On the way to the start of the walk we stopped the car at Corrie, where there is a wooden statue of a seal on a rock - with a live companion today
View from one of the roadside parking spaces by the settlement of Thundergay
The way to Coire-Fhionn Lochan is marked by a sign, and we follow a lane uphill
We pass by this cottage
Looking back to the cottage
Views of Kintyre as we look back...
We cross this ladder stile in a deer fence
A rainbow over Kilbrannan Sound
The dome of Meall nan Damh ahead
We cross the stepping stones over Uisge Soluis Mhoir - the stream is our constant companion until we reach our destination of Coire-Fhionn Lochan
Looking back
Meall Bhig ahead as the path swings around to the right
Views back along Uisge Soluis Mhoir...
We pass by a small glade at another ford
The gradient steepens
We follow a steep rock staircase beside the waterfall...
The rainbow reappears over Kildonnan Sound
The final approach to Coire-Fhionn Lochan....
Coire-Fhionn Lochan
A heavenly spot
After enjoying our picnic here we retrace our steps
Improving weather as we descend, with views over Kildonnan Sound to Kintyre along the way....
Thundergay lies below, and with it the end of a wonderful short walk
On the way back to base we stopped at Brodick. This rainbow at the foot of Goatfell gave us hope that the weather will finally allow us to climb it tomorrow, our last day on Arran
