The year had been full, packed with work, trips, and activations, but it still felt as though it needed one final chapter. So we loaded the campervan one more time, coats, radios, snacks, kids, and all — and pointed it north towards the Isle of Arran. The plan was modest on paper: a long weekend to explore, breathe some sea air, and, naturally, activate a few SOTA summits before the year closed its pages.
We left on the Friday before Christmas at five‑o’clock sharp. The girls clambered into the van full of excitement and questions, and by the time we reached Tebay Services for dinner, everything already felt lighter. Early the next morning we rolled onto the ferry at Ardrossan, watching the dawn settle over the water as Arran’s outline grew ahead of us.
It was a promising start.
Day 1 — Tighvein & A’Chruach
Arran greeted us with damp winds and soft light. I began with the southern pair: Tighvein GM/SI-084 first. We parked beside a stretch of green forest, a calm contrast to the moorland waiting above. Once beyond the trees, the ground turned to spongy, never‑ending bog. Every step felt like a negotiation.
At the trig, I paused just long enough to take a breath and set up. 7‑SSB did the job, followed by a short run on 145‑FM. The weather, however, was in no mood to stay polite — cold, wet, impatient, so the van quickly became the day’s most inviting summit.
The second climb, A’Chruach GM/SI-063, began from a stoned lay-by at the edge of a forest. The moorland returned with all its usual tricks: steep, slippery, and boggy enough to sap the legs.
But the ridge came eventually, and the summit with it, wrapped in mist, quiet except for the wind. The KX2 and EFHW went up; 7‑SSB flowed nicely, 7‑CW added a few more, and 145‑FM brought only one familiar voice: Martha, MM3MBL, supporting from below. A perfect way to end day one before settling at Auchrannie Resort for the night.
Day 2 — Goat Fell and an Unplanned Turn
The morning began beside the sea, the ferry long behind us, the sound of waves tapping against the rocks. My goal was ambitious: Goat Fell, Cir Mhor, and Caisteal Abhail — three of Arran’s highest, all in a single round.
The first steps up Goat Fell were in utter darkness, the beam of my head torch catching the eyes of a huge stag before it bolted across the track. A sharp wake‑up, to say the least. The path was good underfoot, which helped when the fog thickened into a full white-out at the summit.
Still, 145‑FM brought a satisfying pileup, including a S2S with MI7TRD/p from Northern Ireland. 7‑SSB added more calls to the log, and although I’d hoped for 7‑CW, my hands made the decision for me. It was freezing on top!
Descending towards the next summit, I picked up the pace for a brief section, and paid for it. A foot caught between two rocks, a twist, and a burst of pain that snapped all momentum. I sat for ten minutes, weighing stubbornness against sense. In the end, the unfamiliar route and the angry ankle made the choice: turn back. And so I did, limping but relieved to reach the girls who had set off up the track to meet me.
The rest of the day unfolded slowly, museums, bookshops, cafés — the kind of gentle exploring that lets time breathe.
Day 3 — A Doctor’s Bath and a One‑Pointer Trial
Martha had found mention of the “Doctor’s Bath” in Corrie, a tidal pool said to be… invigorating. At sunrise I stepped in. “Invigorating” was an understatement; “bloody cold” was far more accurate. But strangely, it helped.
Later, with the ankle feeling more trustworthy, I tackled Fionn Bhealach GM/SI-093, a short but steady climb, wet underfoot but manageable. The white trig came into view with the sea stretching behind it, the kind of scene that reminds you why SOTA exists. 7‑SSB, 7‑CW, and one loyal call on 145‑FM (from the chef in the campervan) finished the activation. Deer scattered ahead of me on the descent, a fitting end to our last full day of the trip.
The next morning we said goodbye to Arran, after stopping for early Christmas presents at Arran Active — and made the long journey back to Wales for the festive season.
Home for Christmas — and a Sudden Idea
Christmas was exactly what it needed to be: toys, food, rest, family. Boxing Day brought Moel Famau GW/NW-044 and Foel Fenlli GW/NW-051, a simple outing with radios and greetings exchanged with familiar voices, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
But then came Lyra’s request to go back to Arran to play crazy golf. A joke at first… until it wasn’t. I still had unfinished business on the island, after all. Martha called the idea “crazy,” which usually means it’s right up my street. The next day, the van was loaded once more and we were heading for the ferry, again.
This time, I brought only the FT5D, the SRH770S whip, and spare batteries. No HF. If a summit didn’t qualify, then that was simply part of the story.
Back to Arran — A Second Round
We based ourselves at Bridgend Campsite, kindly opened for us despite being closed for the season. Two days for SOTA, two days for family.
Mullach Buidhe GM/SI‑027
A long but rewarding ascent, finishing with a frosty scramble and a sunrise worth every careful step. Nine VHF contacts in the log.
Sail Chalmadale GM/SI‑223
A modest summit surrounded by giants. I slipped on the descent from Mullach Buidhe and split my knee open, Arran proving again it has a sense of humour — but pressed on. The frozen bog made for easier footing, and I was surprised to qualify the summit quickly with another nine VHF contacts.
Bandages, coffee, cake, and a late‑afternoon play park session wrapped up the day.
Meall nan Damh and the Telescope Evening
After a bakery breakfast at Wooley’s, we explored the King’s Cave trail, then I set off for Meall nan Damh GM/SI-052 late in the day. A steep push to the top, arriving just in time to catch a S2S with GM0SCA/p and GM4GUF/p. Seven contacts total. The smell of Martha’s macaroni cheese was all the motivation needed to descend with purpose.
That night, under a clear sky, Lyra aimed her new telescope at the moon, amazed by the craters she could now see. A good evening, simple and memorable.
The Final Big Day — Three High Summits
This was the final test:
Beinn Tarsuinn, Cir Mhor, Caisteal Abhail.
10.6 miles.
Over 5,000 ft of up and down.
A twisted ankle from the week before, a split knee from two days earlier, and legs that were getting noticeably tired.
But the weather was on my side.
From Glen Rosa, the climb up Beinn Tarsuinn GM/SI-008 was long but steady. Frozen rock made the final scramble slow and deliberate. Four quick VHF contacts, then onward.
Cir Mhor GM/SI-011 appeared around the back of A’Chir like a jagged fortress glowing in the sun. The scramble was technical but enjoyable, the reward a full 360‑degree panorama of Arran’s highest summits. Five contacts here, including a welcome S2S with GM4KNU/p.
Caisteal Abhail GM/SI-007 was the final hurdle, a steep, frozen giant with cracking icicles echoing across the rocks. I skirted the more treacherous side, reached the summit safely, worked five stations, and began the long descent, avoiding the Witches Step. When the van finally came into view, it felt like closing a chapter properly.
Of all my GM hikes this year, this one stands near the top.
A Fitting Ending — And the Island Award
Back at the ferry port, ready to head home for New Year’s Eve, I bumped into Tim, @G5OLD. Neither of us knew the other had made a last‑minute dash to a Scottish island for the Andre Saunders GM3VLB Award. Tim worked HF, I worked VHF, and by pure coincidence we’d ended up in the same place without crossing paths until the very end.
I think he’s pipped me by one summit — and if so, he’s earned it. It’s been a brilliant challenge between us - congratulations buddy!
We made it home to Wales just in time for the family party. Exhausted. Battered. Bruised. And absolutely satisfied.
Final Notes
Thank you to every chaser and activator I’ve worked over the past 12-months. Your support has been tremendous.
And a special mention to Paul, M0CQE — missed greatly these last months.
Rest in peace, Paul. You’ll always have a place in my log.
Happy New Year everyone — here’s to another great year of SOTA.
73, Ben
GW4BML
(She has a brutal sense of humour.)
hope you had a nice new year, will deffo have to do a joint activation soon.
but I’ll certainly be back for a third trip - we really liked the island.
to play mini-golf. 
and false number plates.