A Golden Festival of Arran’s Mountains and Coast

We were treated to a fantastic sighting of a golden eagle while attending an Arran Mountain Festival map and compass walk in Glen Rosa. The walk focused on developing navigation skills — reading the landscape, comparing features on the ground with the map, practising compass bearings, and using timing and pacing techniques.

Held every May, the Festival brings together guided walks, runs, and scrambles led by knowledgeable local leaders across the unique landscapes of the Isle of Arran. Seeing Arran’s coastline from high on the mountain was a wonderful reminder of how closely connected the island’s mountains and seas are, and a perfect complement to the passage planning we use on our coastal kayak tours.

On the descent, we were lucky enough to watch a golden eagle gliding and circling near the Blue Pools in the afternoon sunshine — an unforgettable moment.

Kayak Arran was proud to sponsor the Festival and donate a kayak tour for two as a raffle prize at the ceilidh. The evening was full of energy, great music, enthusiastic dancing, and a fantastic band and caller.

The raffle winners later joined us for a kayak tour to Holy Isle in perfect sunshine and calm conditions. Along the way we met the island’s wild Soay sheep, explored the Buddhist Centre for World Peace and Health, and spotted colourful starfish beneath the jetty.