Walkhighlands

Had booked a week’s holiday but poor weather and other commitments conspired to leave little time for an overnight trip other than the Monday/Tuesday.

Had only ever been to Arran once before – an office summer outing 31 years ago in July 1985 when we walked up Goat Fell – a revisit had been a long time coming.

No comment.........



Got the 1350hrs ferry from Arran arriving in Brodick around 1500hrs – first on, last off as I had to take the bike into the car deck.





Cycled from Brodick until just past the Glenrosa camp site – found a hidden spot and locked the bike to a tree. Then continued on foot up Glen Rosa towards the bridge.



This was my first time in Glen Rosa – impressive view northwards.



Exchanged pleasantries with members of an NTS work party repairing parts of the bridge then turned left and followed the steep path up the north side of the Garbh Allt.



Had a minor issue with the first gate getting momentarily stuck due to the size of my rucksack with camping gear. Crossed the allt further up then wasn’t sure whether to cross the fence at the stile or not. Decided to cross and continued NW over some boggier ground – no path so maybe should have stayed on the other side of the fence.

Looking back



Onwards and upwards







Up over Beinn Nuis





Then down and up the ridge to Beinn Tarsuinn’s summit







Found a flat spot at the summit and erected the tent.



There was too much cloud to have any sort of sunset so just made dinner and wandered about a bit before settling down for the night.

Up during the night to see if the sky had cleared but no luck.



With dawn advancing there was still too much cloud but did get some photos looking over to Goat Fell.









Finished breakfast and got packed up ready for the off





North east towards Caisteal Abhail – decided to bypass A Chir with the camping pack and being on my own.







Looking towards Caisteal Abhail







Looking back











Got to near the top



Then went round and clambered up to the top







The cloud didn’t want to disappear completely so started to descend for the walk towards Cir Mhòr.







Got up to the small summit with view towards Goat Fell



Holy Island



This just left the walk back down the bealach at the head of Fionn Choire then the descent back to Brodick.



Hadn’t met anyone since the NTS bridge group but then met some other walkers, including Kevin Woods and his friend, on the way through Glen Rosa - nice meeting you although we didn't recognise each other at the time.



Picked up the bike and cycled back to the ferry terminal. Missed the 1230hrs but got the 1355hrs back to Ardrossan instead. Home in plenty of time to cook dinner.

Sure it wasn't something else that got stuck in the gate

I hope you'll be visiting Arran again soon, its a great Island. I cycle round it quite a few times a year.

The sunrise looked pretty awesome

I wont mention that first photo...

Arran is surely a splendid place. And the photies you got definitely do it justice. Great camping spot!

And it rekindled some great memories from my trip there last year.

Great stuff!

Your wee trip looked fab RH. Despite the conditions, you took some lovely pics there.

I enjoyed the 80's flashback. I have probably similar photos locked away somewhere that havent seen the light of day since.

Although I have flown across it a few times, I have yet to get anywhere near Arran. It seems that island has everything with great hills to boot.

Was thinking about doing the loop down to Brodick from North Sannox but it would appear these hills need more T & A.

Your cracking ón through them Corbetts eh ?

Good report

Brilliant stuff rockhopper, looks like you had a cracking time and you picked a great spot to camp for the night. Lovely photo's, especially the morning light on (and views from) Caisteal Abhail.

Awesome photos, you really make the case for a trip to Arran

Must have been nice revisiting Arran after 31 years! And what a way to do it, camping on the summit of Beinn Tarsuinn! Brilliant You got some lovely evening/morning shots there too.

I don't blame you for missing out the A' Chir ridge - a tough enough scramble without camping gear. You made up for it with your ascent of Cir Mhor though, looking as impressive as ever in your photos.

You've reminded me that I haven't been up Caisteal Abhail yet. A good excuse for another trip to Arran!

I saw Cir Mhor for the first time in this month's photocompetition and loved it immediately. And voila, now there's a stunning report about it. Very nice mountain. Makes me reconsider my biased reluctancy to visit the isles.

Great stuff - would love a summit camp on Arran . Like you I'm interested in A' Chir, but decided not to try it with a heavy bag (great excuse - perhaps I wouldn't have tried it anyway. Needs a bit of reading up before I consider it).

That summit camp looked superb and some great photos.

Great sunrise and early morning sunbeam photos and a good one of the Pirnmill hills. And a great panorama from Caisteal Abhail, one of my favourite viewpoints I have to say. Haven't been on that south west part of the main Arran hills yet so something there to look forward to.

cheers all

Collaciotach wrote:Your cracking ón through them Corbetts eh ?

yes but slowly - they're a lot harder to link together than the munros hoping to get out your way some time but may be next year - cheers