5 Peak challenge. Island of Arran June 2011

Steep climb up to Coire Fhiorn Lochan

One of today's younger walkers

"I haven't got a signal!"

Today's stalwarts.

Looking out to the Papps of Jura

Looking down on the lochan.

We climbed this serious ridge.

The Kilmarnock rocket on top of Beinn Bhreac(711M)

Today's views were spectacular

All too much for this guy.

One of the many wonderful rock formations.

One has to rest occasionally!

What a wonderful place to wait on the bus.

Posh seating in this shelter on the island.

Our bus that took us back to the ferry.

Today I was very fortunate to be asked to join a very elite party of walkers who come from various groups to do the 5 peak challenge on Arran .5 of us met for the 9.45AM ferry to Brodick and then a bus to the start at Thundergay on the North West side of the  island. From here we went up to Coire Fhiorn Lochan where I was 6 weeks ago with OIR group from Kilmarnock.Now the fun begins and we cilmb our first major peak called Meall Biorach (551M) which was challenging to say the least but the views out towards the Papps of Jura made it all worthwhile in the lovely summer sunshine.Crossing over a pleasant plateau on the summit we lose a little height and make our way up to Meall Donn before losing more height and then a great climb on very dry grass up to Beinn Bhreac(711M) with its large cairn where we took a well earned rest as it was quite warm even at this altitude but there were no midgies.Off we go again and drop down onto a ridge and then a serious climb again got us up to Mullach Buidhe (721M) and at this point we could see right over to Ireland a lots of the West Scotland coastline. To the north many  of the Arrochar Alps were also visible . Again steep descent took us down to a fairly narrow part of the ridge and then all the way up to  Beinn Bharrain (721M) which was the last peak of our walk today. An extremely steep descent took us over an hour to complete to get us down to the shore at the little village of Pirnmill where we all took a well earned rest whilst waiting on the bus to take us for the 7.20PM ferry back to Ardrossan. This was an "A" walk in the true sense of the meaning. Particular thanks must go to the leader who worked out that it was possible to do this challenge all in the space of one day. A walk I must introduce to ADRC in their summer programme next year because it certainly is not a winter walk. A thoroughly enjoyable day and in my opinion the best walk I have tackled this year.