ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL

ACTIVITY

Organisers of the Arran Mountain Festival wished to purchase essential climbing equipment so local guides could lead on the A'Chir ridge scramble as part of the Arran Mountain Festival in 2022 and future years. In the past, this scramble was led by paid guides from off-island who provided their own equipment. The Achir ridge scramble is a very popular event within the Festival, booking up quickly with a mix of visitors and locals. A number of visitors come especially to combine this event with other walks in the programme.  It is probably the most difficult ridge on the Island and the great majority of Festival participants would not undertake it without the support of a qualified guide. The participants will benefit from spending a safely managed day in a part of the hills that are normally only accessible to experienced scramblers.
The local walk leaders will also increase their knowledge and experience of leading walks over difficult terrain.

OUTCOME

With Arran Trust support, Festival organisers were able to purchase equipment with the following benefits:

✓ Promotes adventure tourism on Arran utilising our own knowledgeable guides and helping provide employment while enhancing local walk leaders' skills and experience.

✓ Contributes to Arran's reputation as place to spend a rewarding time in the mountains.

✓ Enhances participants’ enjoyment of the scramble and their overall stay on Arran, leading to return visits and positive promotion of the island to friends and family.

✓ Provides variety in the Mountain Festival's programme of walks so it appeals to a wider audience with a range of walking abilities.

Photo Copyright Giles Ruck