4 Night 'Quiet' Summer Camp & Mountains on the Isle of Arran
12 people attending
0 places left
2 people waitlisted
This Monday to Friday camping event gives you the chance to extend your stay north of the border on either (or both) of the weekends, making the most of a week away and the brilliance that is Scotland. If you are interested in this event, please read all text before booking and make sure you pay attention to the bit about booking your ferry and possible disruption to sailings. Any queries, contact the event leader.
Arran is described as Scotland in miniature, with steep, jagged mountains in the north, similar to the west highlands of the mainland, full of drama and stunning vistas. The south of Arran shares the characteristics of the Southern Uplands. None of the mountains on Arran (and we will explore some of them) are high enough to be classified as Munros, but they give a real impression of an Alpine landscape with outstanding views from their summits.
The site we are using is shared with others, including families - we do not have sole use. We have to be mindful of noise etc, so no music and we will need to keep our voices down if we congregate late evenings on the site. There are lots of other locations nearby to explore in the evening anyway, away from the site, including the sea loch and ruined castle.
We have 3 full days in which to explore the mountains and glens on the island. There are some great coastal walks too. If it's wet, there's an impressive waterfall at the south end of the Isle. There are ancient caves on the west coast, and some sandy beaches on the east. There's a Buddhist temple on its own island just off the south west coast which is a fascinating half day trip too. We will not get bored!
Facilities
There is a small campsite shop for the basics, but shops and a big Coop in Brodick where the main ferry docks. There are outdoor shops as well as lots of other facilities. Brodick is the main village on Arran and about 20 minutes drive from our site.
Other facilities in the village are "The Sandwich Station" (snacks, soft and hot drinks); Distillery with an excellent cafe; a small, excellent and very popular restaurant by the camp site called the Stags Pavilion; the Lochranza Hotel and Bar serving bar meals and drinks. A little further around the coast in Pirnmill is an amazingly well-stocked village shop, and there's also the Lighthouse Restaurant / Cafe there too. NB. This note will be updated closer to the event as some services may be affected by the Covid pandemic.
Dogs: Well-managed dogs are welcome. However, red deer are often close by!
As for travel - please see below for detailed location and information.
Photos: All photos by the event leader for use by OutdoorLads.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, here, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:
- Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
- You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. You can find the NHS self-isolation guidance here.
- This event takes place after 21 June 2021, which is currently the earliest date by which the Government hopes that we will have entered Step 4 of the Roadmap out of lockdown. At step 4, the Government hopes to have removed all legal limits on social contact.
- It is possible that Step 4 takes place at a date later than 21 June 2021 and could affect this event. We will review the situation as things change and will advise members signed up to the event if there are changes necessary to ensure compliance with restrictions in place at the time of the event.
- If the event is unable to proceed sue to Covid-19 restrictions, a replacement date will be offered, or a full refund.
- We must all remember that COVID-19 remains a part of our lives. We are going to have to keep living our lives differently to keep ourselves and others safe. We must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’. Comply with the COVID-Secure measures that remain in place. Meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. Get tested when needed. Get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar.
What to bring
All your own camping kit!
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe
Midge repellent / midge net (hat). The Scottish midges can be right little bastards, especially in the evening when it's warm and still, just when you want to sit outside your tent!
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
Food & drink
You'll need to provide for your own food and drink throughout.