MEET THE ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL WALK LEADERS

The next in our series of volunteer walk leaders profiles is Alistair Hume.

Ali (on the right) co-leading last year's Mountain Festival A'Chir walk

ALISTAIR HUME

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


For relaxation, I play the bagpipes with the Isle of Arran pipe band, I am also a keen sea kayaker and try to play golf as often as I can.

I also work part time for World Challenge, a company that specialises in taking groups of teenagers to mainly third world countries for up to five weeks at a time to experience other cultures and assist in project work such as toilet block construction.

I have also been a member of the Arran Mountain Rescue Team since 1976 and a lot of my time is spent training with them and being on call 24/7.


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

I like to try and help others experience the wonderful mountains of Arran and pass on any local knowledge and history and ensure that they have a memorable time.


Tell us about a favourite mountain moment.

There have been many favorite moments!!! But for feel good factor it must be a time in Northern Peru while descending from a high 4.500 meter pass and at -10 I came across a young local lad, his face full of snot and minus some fingers and toes from frostbite - he was wearing shorts and sandals.


I will never forget the way his face changed when I gave him my cosy warm mountain rescue buffalo jacket that I had cherished for some 20 years.


What is your favourite Arran walk?

Don't really have one, I love them all!!!


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

A whistle.


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

Anyone I can persuade my wife to make!!!


Ali is co-leading the A'Chir ridge traverse.

MEET THE ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL WALK LEADERS

In our next few posts, we'd like to introduce you to some of the people without whom the Arran Mountain Festival would not be possible - our fabulous walk leaders.

All Arran Mountain Festival walk leaders volunteer their time and expertise, often taking time off from their day jobs to do so. All walks are led by qualified Summer Mountain Leaders, assisted by experienced co-leaders. With maximum group sizes of only 6-10 walkers, we are proud to have some of the best leader-participant ratios for such an event.

So you can get to know your walk leaders a wee bit better, we got them to answer a few questions about themselves. Of course you'll have the chance to ask many more on your walk!

First up is Lucy Wallace. Enjoy!

LUCY WALLACE

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

I’m lucky as I get to do this every day. I have my own walking and wildlife watching business based on Arran.
www.arranwildwalks.co.uk

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

I volunteer for the COAST Holy Isle walk as community driven conservation is a subject that is very close to my heart. I’m very inspired by what COAST have won for the wildlife and people of Lamlash Bay and what they aspire to achieve for the future.

Tell us about a favourite mountain moment.
Watching a golden eagle float past at eye level from the summit of Sgurr Alasdair on the Isle of Skye. I could see the wind ruffling its feathers, and the sunshine twinkling the back of its head.

What is your favourite Arran walk?
Its got the be the Three Beinns, a fabulous ridge walk, with stunning views, wildlife and lots of interest along the way and a wild and remote feel.

Which piece of kit would you not head into the hills without?
Can I have two please? It would be my map and compass.

What is your favourite breakfast before a long day out in the mountains?
Tattie scones, roast tomatoes, poached eggs, beans and buttery mushrooms.

Lucy is leading the Holy Isle mountain walk.

Hurrah, we've made it onto Facebook!

The Arran Mountain Festival has finally arrived in the 21st century and can now be found on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArranMountainFestival. Please check out the page and "like" us!

Corinna

2011 Arran Mountain Festival Coich na h'Oighe Walk

I'm sure I can speak for the group when I say that we were all chuffed to bits with what we achieved on this walk - some found it more challenging than others!!

Jacqui

2011 Arran Mountain Festival set to thrill!

We're now in the late planning stages for the 2011 Festival with the walks programme almost finalised. As last year, the majority of walks will take you along Arran's breathtaking mountain ridges and have you conquer the island's lofty summits. Some shorter and easier walks will be included - they are a great way of discovering Arran's natural and cultural history. Of course, we'll also be putting on some evening entertainment for a chance to exchange the day's mountain tales with your fellow hill walkers. Watch this space!