Having finally got over to Arran, it was a day of two halves on Goat Fell for the first excursion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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Goat Fell – a day of two halves
Goat Fell – a day of two halves
by old danensian » Wed Jul 24, 2013 12:08 pm
Route description: Goatfell, from Brodick Castle
Corbetts included on this walk: Goat Fell
Date walked: 16/07/2013
Time taken: 5 hours
Distance: 17 km
Ascent: 993m
4 people think this report is great. Register or Login free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).Re: Goat Fell – a day of two halves
by smalltounboy » Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:04 pm
Sounds like you had a great day for it, the route up to North Goat Fell from Sannox which traverses the Cioche na h'Oighe (maidens breasts) is thoroughly recommended, then maybe a further ascent from The Saddle up over Cir Mhor to Caisteal Abhail if you're feeling fit enough
Mark
Mark
Re: Goat Fell – a day of two halves
by GillC » Fri Jul 26, 2013 9:06 pm
Smashing,,what you say about a different world beyond Goat Fell is soooooo true,,the most amazing, spectacular place. Planning a return trip for the other 2 corbetts in the range there. BT and CA. Superb 

Re: Goat Fell – a day of two halves
by glasgow_ranger » Mon Oct 01, 2018 10:12 am
When I mapped the route on google map, it said some bit of the route along Glenrosa water is private route, so can you still go down along the route?
Re: Goat Fell – a day of two halves
by GillC » Mon Oct 01, 2018 2:24 pm
Might be a private road for vehicles. .unlikely to refer to walkers. 😀
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