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A round of Arran's Corbetts

PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 11:14 am
by drumtian
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Stonemason's Finest!
This is an account of a complete round of all Arran's Corbetts starting/finishing at Brodick Castle. It is a strenuous walk best left to a a day when decent weather is forecast.

After picking up our filled rolls at the excellent bakery in Brodick, we parked near the Arran Brewery and set of on the 'tourist' track up Goat Fell. The track is well maintained and quickly gives access from the lower wooded areas onto open ground and the top of Goat Fell. Our day's challenge was laid out in front of us as we viewed the jagged ridge across Glen Rosa, rising from the Saddle. From Goat Fell we followed the track to the top of North Goat Fell from where we descended the steep, and quite challenging, terrain to the Saddle. Having read some guide books, our worry was the ascent from the Saddle to Cir Mhor which is described as poor underfoot. We were delighted to see that NTS, owners of these hills, is currently improving this path which we found to be better than others we encounter on our Corbett walks. We had some fun scrambling towards the top of Cir Mhor but this could be avoided if this is not your thing. Cir Mhor must hold title to the smallest cairn on any Corbett!
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Handsome guy!
The views to Caisteal Abhail and its two tor-like tops look look imposing and inaccessible from here. The walk around the corrie affords great views of its overhanging cliffs and brings you to the top of Caisteal Abhail with the more north easterly of the two tors being the highest. The views from Caisteal Abhail back towards Goat Fell ,Cir Mhor, A' Cir and Beinn Tarsuinn, our final Corbett make the hard work worthwhile. Cir Mhor, from this angle is aiguille-like in shape. It is quite a long way back to Beinn Tarsuinn but the ever-changing scenery makes it an interesting traverse. Try to see the natural arch on the way up. It looks as though the stone has been perfectly carved for the purpose. From the top of Tarsuinn we walked the ridge to Beinn Nuis where we enjoyed spectacular views to the sea and back over the 4 Corbetts which we had just completed.

We decided not to follow the path back via Glenrosa campsite. Instead, by cross Glenrosa Water near the bridge which crosses Garbh Allt at 983387,follow the path as far as the forest, go through the gate, follow the path, and you will return to the day's starting point.
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Reviewing the day's walk


A fantastic day walking on a beautiful ridge with spectatcular sea views. :D