MEET THE ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL WALK LEADERS


JO TOTTY

What do you do when you don’t lead walks for the Arran Mountain Festival?

I’m a mum and wife, I also volunteer with the National Trust for Scotland at Brodick Castle 3 days a week and less frequently for Community of Arran Seabed Trust. I love to have bonfires, go on walks, swim in the sea, am learning Gaelic, and am the chair of this Festival!!

Why do you volunteer as an Arran Mountain Festival walk leader?

I volunteer as I love the mountains and whilst I’m happy to head off with my map and compass and a full bag of exciting kit, I realise that not everyone has the same confidence and skills – I just want to share what I love with as many people as possible!

Tell us about a favourite mountain moment.

Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro without a guide, and being the first woman that day to see the sunrise from the summit.

What is your favourite Arran walk?

The amazing views along the majestic sweeping ridge between Caisteal Abhail and Sail am Im.

Which piece of kit would you not head into the hills without?

Aside from the essential map and compass, it’d have to be a malt loaf – no matter what you try to do to it and no matter what shape it’s become, it’s always edible!

What is your favourite breakfast before a long day out in the mountains?

A massive bowl of cereal, with extra seeds and raisins.

Jo is co-leading the North Sannox and Laggantuin walk and the Corbetts day 2.

MEET THE ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL WALK LEADERS

PAULINE BARR

What do you do when you don’t lead walks for the Arran Mountain Festival?

Having not long retired from teaching I do more hillwalking, spend time with my grandchild and run after my husband.

Why do you volunteer as an Arran Mountain Festival walk leader?

I love walking on Arran and like to share the hills with others.

Tell us about a favourite mountain moment.

Breaking out of a cloud inversion to walk over beautiful, calm, sunny hills.

What is your favourite Arran walk?

The Ridge from Sannox over Cioch na h'Oighe, Mullach Buidhe and North Goatfell to Goatfell over the Stacach Ridge. Favourite Scottish view is from the top of Goatfell.

Which piece of kit would you not head into the hills without?

My piece.

What is your favourite breakfast before a long day out in the mountains?

Porridge.

Pauline is leading the Three Beinns walk on Saturday and the Through the glens walk on Monday.

Arran hills, some of the best in Scotland!

Here's a few pics taken yesterday of the Arran mountains seen from across Brodick Bay. Breathtaking! Definitely up there with the best of Scottish hillwalking!

Bookings are going well for this year's Arran Mountain Festival, some of the walks are fully booked, and a couple are over subscribed! Don't delay - check out www.arranmountainfestival.co.uk and book your walk!

The Three Beinns Horseshoe, a classic ridge walk, sponsored by Merrell. So popular that we're running it twice, and currently there are just a couple of places left on the Friday and Monday walks. Tempting isn't it - go on, get booking! http://www.arranmountainfestival.co.uk/friday-18-may/three-beinns-horseshoe.html

From right to left Am Binnein, Mullach Buidhe, North Goatfell (not in view) and Goatfell.  This walk, sponsored by the Friends of Brodick Castle is being led on the Monday of the Festival, and currently there are only 5 spaces left.  Don't miss out on this wonderful, but little walked, walk.

JoT

Girls' night out on Arran!

A Friday in January, four girls headed out on a girlie night out.  It was very wild, wet and windy .....

..... but we didn't head to the pub ....

..... no, we chose a nasty night to go out on a night navigation exercise ....

..... and got home safe and sound!

JoT

So, what do some of your mountain leaders do in their spare time!  Obviously we spend a lot of time on the Arran hills, but we do occassionally like to travel a little further afield!! 

Here are some wonderful snowy shots taken in February as I wandered some of our fabulous Scottish hills :-)  I was up in the Glenshee area, a bit of battle at the start through the ski lifts and runs, but once off the beaten track the peace and tranquility was so well worth the effort. 

Another 'hill day' to add to my Mountain Leader log book, and another 3 munro ticks, if you're into that sort of thing ;-)



























JoT