Caisteal Abhail
Encyclopedia
Caisteal Abhail is a mountain on the Isle of Arran
in Scotland
.
It is the northernmost Corbett on the island. The mountain forms the main part of a view known as The Sleeping Warrior
due to its distinctive outline (resembling the profile of a recumbent figure) as seen from the mainland. The most notable feature of the mountain is Ceum na Caillich (often rendered as the "Witch's Step", cailleach, here in genitive also means an old woman/hag), a deep gash in the eastern ridge. It is the northernmost peak in a chain of three Corbetts: Goat Fell
(the highest peak on Arran) is in fact an eastern outlier to this chain.
The summit lies at the junction of four ridges: those running east, north and northwest eventually descend, whilst the southern ridge continues on to the central summit of the range, Cìr Mhòr
. The summit is crowned with a series of rocky tors, and in poor visibility it may be difficult to ascertain which one marks the highest point.
The mountain is most frequently climbed from North Glenn Sannox. There is a car park on the A841 road
about 3 km west of Sannox
. From here, the summit can be via the northern, northwestern or eastern ridge. Ascent over the eastern ridge requires the walker
to negotiate Ceum na Caillich, a tricky scramble
that is not easily by-passed.
Ceum na Caillich and the eastern ridge may also be reached from the village of Sannox on the east coast of the island by way of Glen Sannox. The northwestern ridge can be climbed via a longer route following the Gleann Easan Biorach from Lochranza
. An ascent of Caisteal Abhail is often combined with Cìr Mhòr, and indeed other Arran peaks.
Isle of Arran
Arran or the Isle of Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland, and with an area of is the seventh largest Scottish island. It is in the unitary council area of North Ayrshire and the 2001 census had a resident population of 5,058...
in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
.
It is the northernmost Corbett on the island. The mountain forms the main part of a view known as The Sleeping Warrior
Sleeping Warrior
The Sleeping Warrior is the profile of the north Arran hills as seen from the Ayrshire coast. It is a well-known sight that takes its name from a resemblance to a resting human figure...
due to its distinctive outline (resembling the profile of a recumbent figure) as seen from the mainland. The most notable feature of the mountain is Ceum na Caillich (often rendered as the "Witch's Step", cailleach, here in genitive also means an old woman/hag), a deep gash in the eastern ridge. It is the northernmost peak in a chain of three Corbetts: Goat Fell
Goat Fell
Goat Fell is the highest point on the Isle of Arran. At 874 metres , it is one of four Corbetts on the island...
(the highest peak on Arran) is in fact an eastern outlier to this chain.
The summit lies at the junction of four ridges: those running east, north and northwest eventually descend, whilst the southern ridge continues on to the central summit of the range, Cìr Mhòr
Cìr Mhòr
Cìr Mhòr is a Corbett known as the Matterhorn of Arran. Its name means the "big comb", referring its resemblance to a cockscomb. It is separated from the island's highest peak, Goat Fell by a col called The Saddle...
. The summit is crowned with a series of rocky tors, and in poor visibility it may be difficult to ascertain which one marks the highest point.
The mountain is most frequently climbed from North Glenn Sannox. There is a car park on the A841 road
A841 road
The A841 road is the only A-road on the Isle of Arran and forms the island's primary transport route, as it connects all the major settlements on the island on its 50-mile course around the coast - Brodick, Lochranza, Blackwaterfoot and Whiting Bay...
about 3 km west of Sannox
Sannox
Sannox is a village on the Isle of Arran, Scotland. The name comes from the name the Vikings gave to the area, Sandvik, meaning the Sandy Bay.Sannox sits with a stunning backdrop of scenery to it in the shape of Glen Sannox...
. From here, the summit can be via the northern, northwestern or eastern ridge. Ascent over the eastern ridge requires the walker
Hillwalking
In the British Isles, the terms hillwalking or fellwalking are commonly used to describe the recreational outdoor activity of walking on hills and mountains, often with the intention of visiting their summits...
to negotiate Ceum na Caillich, a tricky scramble
Scrambling
Scrambling is a method of ascending rocky faces and ridges. It is an ambiguous term that lies somewhere between hillwalking and rock climbing. It is often distinguished from hillwalking by defining a scramble as a route where hands must be used in the ascent...
that is not easily by-passed.
Ceum na Caillich and the eastern ridge may also be reached from the village of Sannox on the east coast of the island by way of Glen Sannox. The northwestern ridge can be climbed via a longer route following the Gleann Easan Biorach from Lochranza
Lochranza
Lochranza is a village located on the Isle of Arran in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland. The population, somewhat in decline, is around 200 people....
. An ascent of Caisteal Abhail is often combined with Cìr Mhòr, and indeed other Arran peaks.