Apart from the Cuillin Ridge on Skye this must be one of the finest ridge walks in the UK, especially if it is combined with going over A'Chir [I did not have time for this and the route described is the one I did]. It ranks along with Aonach Eagach by Glencoe or An Teallach near Little Loch Broom.
In my opinion anybody is unwise to go up on these ridges without a clear head, a fair bit of experience [or a more experienced leader] and a good guidebook. I had thick mist for a short time at the top of Cir Mor and should not have enjoyed the Carlin's Leap without a clear close-up view. Anyway the walk is wasted and would be most frustrating without the terrific distance views encompassing the sea in many directions. I regret my inability to do this again and expand on it more than any other as I have done both the mainland ridges mentioned above a few times and this only once.
I was not at Sannox Bay until geting on for lunch time and took the chance of early lunch on the splendid beach. From Mid-Sannox it is just about due west to Suidhe Fheargas [2081 feet]. There is nothing particularly hard about this ascent and the only real interest lies in the views around but from here until after you have descended from Cir Mor it is a delight.
The next stage is the ridge walk to the Carlin's Leap, Ceum na Caillich [sometimes prosaically called the witch's step] Here it is necessary to make a serious estimate of the capacity of your party. The direct descent to the col is steep and exposed - and of course exciting if you are up to it.
Many will prefer to find a slightly easier way down by dropping a bit on the north side first and then traversing.
There is no further problem in the ridge walk to Caistal Abhail, at 2817 feet the highest point reached on this walk. The views from here are good in every direction, perhaps particularly of the next peak in the route, Cir Mor. I have heard good things about Goat Fell, which is higher but quite a few people who have walked a lot on Arran reckon that its wonderful shape and position make Cir Mor the favourite.
After a very brief bout of mist it cleared to show four stags all standing together nearby watching me. This is quite an unusual sight and no doubt just a couple of months later they would have been at war in the rut!
The descent from Cir Mor to Glen Sannox is good fun but the glen itself becomes wet and midgefilled. The best views were now to the rear.
This walk is considerably harder and takes longer than the distance might suggest and an earlier start would be desirable.