Coire Fhion Lochan from Thundergay

A very popular walk which climbs up from Thundergay to the spectacular Coire Fhion Lochan. The walk can be extended to include a ridge walk around the surrounding mountains with spectacular views in all directions.

Coire Fhion Lochan

Distance 4 miles (or 7 miles with extension)- Start and finish at Thundergay near Pirnmill
Height gain 350M or 650M with extension
Good paths to Lochan. Some sections on the ridge have vague paths.

Set in a natural ampitheatre and with stretches of sandy coloured granite chips along part of it's shore, Coire Fhion Lochan is high on the list of must do walks on the island.

Coire Fhion Lochan

The walk starts at the hamlet of Thundergay (or Thunderguy in some books). The path is signed from the road and there is also a Letterbox to help identify the correct location.
There is parking space for several cars on the opposite side of the road. Please be careful not to cause an obstruction when you park
Follow the track up the hill passing the several houses that make up the hamlet

Coire Fhion Lochan walk Ridge path

After the houses you will pass through a gate and continue to ascend
Climb over a stile on the deer fence and continue on the obvious path which later runs adjacent to the tumbling stream.
The path eventually flattens out and the Lochan soom comes into view.
If you do not want to climb the surrounding hills you can simply retrace your route back to Thundergay
To climb higher you need to turn right along the shore path and then pick up the narrow path which heads steadily up the hill.
The path then turns right and climbs steeply up the slope of Meall Biorach. Make sure not to miss the turn left and then zig-zag your way up to the crest of the hill.

From here it is an easy ridge walk with good views down to the Lochan, to reach the blouder covered summit at 653 metres.
looking in the opposite direction there are views of many of the Arran hills and below you is Loch Tanna
If you fancy ticking off another summit is is an easy 20 minute walk from here to the summit of the 711m Beinn Bhreac.
Continue your route around the Lochan by following a path from the summit of Meall Biorach which descends steadily across a wide slope of granite and heather. There are several cairns to help you on your way.
Eventually the path drops more steeply down to a boggy gap and meets with another path cutting across. Turn left on this path and this will take you back to the Lochan.
From here follow the shoreline to return to the main path back down to Thundergay