Four-Night Summer Quiet Camp, Arran Revisited
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This Wednesday to Sunday camping event gives you the chance to extend your stay to make 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, please 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 can have BBQs on the beach close by bur far enough from camp or local residents!
We have three 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 there are 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 Lochranza village are "The Sandwich Station" (snacks, soft and hot drinks); Arran Distillery with an excellent cafe; a small, excellent and very popular restaurant by the camp site called the Stags Pavilion (but it gets booked up well in advance); the Lochranza Hotel and Bar remains closed and up for sale. 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.
Dogs: Well-managed dogs are welcome. However, red deer are often close by! Regarding deer, please be mindful that deer sometimes walk around the campsite which means you should check for ticks!!
As for travel - please see below for detailed location and information.
Photos: by permission ,Rob Mitchell
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IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, 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.
What to bring
All your own camping kit!
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.