Expedition Overview
This webpage provides an outline of the expedition, what’s involved, and what’s included. More detailed information on the expedition will be set out in our ‘Participant’s Pack’.
The cost of the expedition includes campsite fees, ferry tickets, and transport on Arran.
The 2nd of August is a travel day, with a meet-up early afternoon. Participants can either meet us in Glasgow (where a minibus transfer is available) or you can meet us at the Troon ferry terminal. Note that owing to ferry timetable changes, the ferry sometimes goes from Ardrossan.
Once on Arran, we will travel to Lochranza in readiness for the start of the four-day expedition on the 3rd of August.
We will be running two types of expeditions concurrently: a Trekking Expedition and an Exploration Expedition.
Trekking Expedition – The route starts in Thunderguy in northwest Arran and ends in Brodick. The route goes over mountainous terrain and along coastlines. The terrain is rough in places and involves over 400m of height gain on two days. The route is adventurous and exciting and offers amazing views. The amount of distance walked each day ranges from 14 to 17km. Footpaths can be muddy and rocky, so participants must come prepared with good walking boots. Camps will be at Lochranza, Sannox, and Glen Rosa. With support from u,s you will be expected to plan a detailed route with your team.
Exploration Expedition – The walking each day will be between 10-12km on paths and tracks with about 250m or less height gain each day. There shall be a greater emphasis on exploring and your expedition project activity. Your exploration activity could include visits to: Brodick Castle, Holy Isle, the Standing Stones of Machrie Moor, King’s Cave, Lochranza, and Glen Rosa. Your expedition could involve different themes, like archaeology and history, geology, conservation, land use, and tourism. With support from us and your own researc,h you’ll be expected to plan your exploration of Arran.
What to bring
Click here for the full kit list, including a video offering advice on packing a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition rucksack. We will provide you with tents, stoves, gas canisters, map cases, and rucksack liners.
Participants should bring the following food:
- Enough food for the 5-day practice expedition: that’s four breakfasts, four lunches, and four evening meals.
Guidance on exped meals here.
A bit about the Island
Arran is a beautiful island, mountainous in the north with hilly, rolling countryside in the south. It is about 30km long and 15km wide and has a population of 4,600. The geology of Arran is very interesting, with granite in the north, forming the mountain chain of which Goatfell is the highest hill (873m), and sedimentary rocks in the south. Arran is famous for the geological discoveries made by James Hutton in 1789, including the ‘Hutton unconformity’, providing evidence that the Earth was much older than people had previously thought. The island also has a rich history, folklore, and a lot of interesting wildlife and flora. The island offers lots of subject matter for the expedition group’s aim and project work.
The weather on Arran can vary a great deal, so participants should be prepared for hot sunny weather (where a sun hat and sun cream are needed) and rainy windy weather (where waterproof clothing, a hat, and gloves are needed).
Terms and Conditions
Please read our terms and conditions:
These are the terms and conditions for Aspen Outdoors Ltd events.
- Participants must disclose information on any relevant medical condition or treatment that may have a bearing on their ability to take part.
- Participants must provide information to Aspen Outdoors Ltd on their skills and experience in the activity (winter hillwalking, summer hillwalking, multi-day treks, bushcraft activities) to help determine their competence and suitability for the activity.
- Participants must read the information about the activity with particular attention to the grade/difficulty of the hike, the length of the day, the distance to be covered, and the height gained.
- The objectives of the event, for example, the ascent of one or more peaks, are not guaranteed, being subject to weather conditions, snow conditions, and the capability and competence of participants in the group.
- The objectives of the event may be modified or abandoned, subject to weather and snow conditions, and the capability and competence of the participants in the group.
- The event may be postponed or cancelled, subject to adverse weather and snow conditions. Should this happen, the company shall either provide a full refund or rearrange the event.
- Participants must consult the equipment list provided by the company and follow other instructions provided to them before the activity to ensure that they are appropriately prepared for the activity.
- During the activity, the participants must follow the instructions of the instructors to ensure their safety.
- If the customer cancels within four weeks of the event that is due to take place, the customer shall not be eligible for a refund.