Coire Fhionn Lochan Walk, Thundergay
Distance: 5.5 km Time: 1.5-2 hours
Terrain: earth tracks – aggregate sometimes, rocky footpaths some forded streams.
Difficulty: Easy
Walk and experience one of the Isle of Arran’s most beautiful and scenic Lochans?
Experience the clear water and white beaches of Coire Fhionn Lochan on this walk beginning from Thundergay on the west coast of the Island.
The Route
The most popular route up to Coire Fhionn Lochan starts at Thundergay. There is a small number of parking places on the main ring road directly opposite the Thundergay hilly access road. Alternatively there are few additional spaces approximately 100m north along the ring road adjacent to an old bridge.
At the junction of the road up to Thundergay you will see a sign post marking the start of the walk. From here you follow the road which curves left as it travel up the hill past various houses. Behind the final house you will go through a gate.
After the gate an earthen track continues upwards the path is clear and easy to follow with bracken either side. Cross a ladder stile adjacent to a deer fence Allt Mor glen should be visible ahead.
Continue and you will reach a burn with a series of large stepping stones. Cross the burn and turn right the Uisge Solius Mhoir now visible to the right. You will soon reach another ford. After heavy rain this becomes difficult to pass without getting wet feet although you should be able to find a suitable dry crossing point option further down the stream.
After crossing the path becomes rockier and you are faced with the most difficult part of the walk a rock stair case that winds up the heather covered ascent. At the top the earth path crosses a number of rockier boulders.
The path eases and switches to a yellow aggregate path which takes you all the way to the picturesque Coire Fhionn Fochan with its White beaches. It is perfect for skimming stones if you are into that though it is a struggle to find suitable stones.
Drink in the views then return by retracing your steps back to the start.
