For part one, we set off from Cladach to wend our way through the brewery buildings before following the signposted path through the woods – and on, ever upwards, following the footsteps of many, on the well maintained, easily angled path all the way to the top.
- Goat Fell - nearing the final slopes
It proved to be the most populated hill I’ve been on for quite a while: from enthusiastic five-year olds, through reluctant teenagers, to plenty of us oldies.
- Looking back to Brodick
Cloud cover was a blessing for our ascent, but it took a while to disperse after we reached the top. However, gradually the reward for relatively unchallenging efforts emerged. Fine views to the east and north contrasted starkly with the mysterious stretches of ridge popping in and out of the cloud to the west.
- Back up the north ridge of Goat Fell
And therein lay part two.
We stepped into a different world going over to North Goat Fell and scrambling down to The Saddle. The easy path, the open vistas and the seascapes to the east were left behind in exchange for pinnacles and walls that plunged to the deep long valleys of Rosa and Sannox below.
- Mullach Buidhe from North Goatfell
With Cir Mhor rearing up ahead – but to be left for another day – the way across and then down had interest, lacked people, and provided the occasional spot for the “money shot” of the day.
- Pinnacle posing - with Cir Mhor in the background
A handful of others were met at The Saddle, but then the walk out along Glen Rosa, with temptingly deep pools for wearying feet, was another lonesome wander. Where was everybody?
- A leisurely retreat sauntering down Glen Rosa
A footbridge appeared just before the Garbh Allt joined Glenrosa Water, so we could cross and make the direct return to Cladach, ending what had been a real eye-opener for the scale of the mountains – not hills – on Arran.
Next?
The ridge, from end to end.
