Arran Coastal Way
Every year for the past 10 years, 5 friends and myself have taken on a least one long distance walk or National Trail. In this time we have completed The Coast to Coast, The West Highland Way, The Southern Upland Way (Scotland’s Coast to Coast), The Rob Roy Way, Offa’s Dyke, The Arran Coastal Way and two thirds of the Pennine Way.
During the first week of the Southern Upland Way in 2004, we met up with Frank, a Canadian guy who is a retired teacher and although born in Scotland emigrated to Canada with his family at an early age. The following year he flew over and joined us on week two of the walk and has continued to join us every year since.
He is a steadying influence, as all of us still think we are in our early twenties, especially where alcohol is concerned. Unfortunately, three of us are in our mid sixties and the other three in the mid fifties but we are all still kids at heart.
Last year we decided to walk The Arran Coastal Way, which although relatively short at 65 miles, the distance was deceptive as it involved some rugged walking over boulder fields and mountain paths.
This was my third visit to the island and it is not called Scotland in miniature without reason. It is a beautiful island with terrific mountain walking, wildlife and scenery to match. Unfortunately the accommodation leaves something to be desired, with many hotels still in the 1960′s as far as facilities are concerned.
However it was an enjoyable week even though it rained most of the time and although the Coastal Way was fine in parts, it cannot really be called a coastal path as there’s quite a lot of road walking. Having said that the mountain ranges are highly recommended, especially the Goatfell and Cir Mhor ranges, where on a good day with clear visibility some stunning views make the climb worthwhile.
Ireland, the islands of Islay and Jura can be clearly seen from the Goatfell summit at 874 metres/2866′ and if you are lucky you may see one of our nuclear submarines in the Clyde, returning or leaving it’s base at Coulport where the Trident warheads are loaded. There are a number of walking guides devoted to the Arran Coastal Way for anyone who wants further information.
Depending on which translation you use Goatfell gets it’s name from the Gaelic – gaoth (the mountain of wind), or the Norse – geita (goats mountain). The picture slide show gives a variety of views and also conditions underfoot.
Hi Bill, great breath taking views. What you do is very healthful for mind, body and spirit. Terry Conti
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You have a similar holiday programme to me Bill.
Like you, every year I go on a walking holiday with 4 or 5 friends. Usually we walked the Lake Disrict, the Peninne Way or the Peak District. We have also walked “Coast to Coast”, but we cheated – we picked the shortest route possible – Hardrians Wall; which is only around 75 miles.
For the past 6 years we have been walking the ‘Camino Way’ which is an ancient pilgrimage route from France to Santiago de Compestella in Spain. The hostel prices for pilgrims is only 4 or 5 euros per night! You can’t argue with that, it leaves plenty of money for the important beer drinking.
Keep these articles coming Bill, they give me holiday ideas.
John
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Hi Bill
Love the west coat of scotland
when the kids were younger me and the wife used to go to inverrary,
then travel all over the west of scotland.
the people are brilliant and the scenery breath taking ,but the bitter mm better sticking to the guiness.
cheers Mick
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Hi Bill, the walks look great. I bet they’re refreshing, especially when you get to the bar. I’m in a wheelchair so have never taken on any such adventures. Although i do take part in some sponsored wheelchair push events.
Like John McNally i have taken part in the France to Santiago de Compestella in Spain, The relay of st James. As we were in wheelchairs (hand cycle in my case) we done it in relay fashion. My wife and I were part of team that crossed the pyrenees, it was fantastic and the scenery was something else. Although the hills went on for ever and just as we thought we’d reached the top we’d turn the corner and see the went up for mile after mile, after every bend in the road.
I wish i could do it again Bill.
Great post my friend, back for more very soon.
Respect and Regards, Barry
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Well done on your walk around Arran Bill. I wonder if you could add a link to the Arran Coastal Way site to the guide that I have recently produced on the walk? The link is :
http://www.walkguides.co.uk/Guides%20Pages/Arran%20Pages/Arran%20%20Page.html
The guide is in PDF format and is therefore in a downloadable format. Please feel free to use any the book cover graphic to use. I hope that the guide will encourage others to walk the Arran Coastal Way and use it before planning their trip or using it as a resource when they get there.
Thank you in advance!
Gil Campbell
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Bill Murney
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November 2nd, 2010 at 12:34 pm
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