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So after a being banned from the hills (or any form of exercise) for months, my physio suggested I could try climbing a hill. I didn’t need telling twice. With Blondie in the car hospital, I was limited to public transport so I worked my way through several plans before settling on a place I wouldn’t take the car anyway – Arran - and even better the weather looked fantastic
I collected together all my stuff, squeezed into my trousers, grabbed my bike and headed for the train. Once safely on the ferry I headed out on deck to enjoy the views. It was a wonderful feeling knowing that I was going to be up there soon
Ahead to Arran
Back towards land
I met a guy who was heading over to work on the new ferry terminal and he kindly offered to take a picture of me spoiling the view.
We also spotted what we thought were porpoises in the sea but I wasn’t quick enough with the camera…
Looking North
Once off the ferry I headed off down the road, stopping for a few photos along the way…my target
Flying along the road on the bike, I reached the start point in no time, stowed my bike and started up the path. At the first fork in the path I caught up with a group of people reading familiar text….it was the WH route description
The path was easy going and although I was trying to be super-careful and obey all my instructions, I made good progress and was grinning like a fool
It was a much warmer day than the forecast had suggested so I was soon losing layers rather than putting them on
It felt like pretty hard work…I guess no exercise for months can do that
but it was the perfect opportunity to take some photos of the amazing views
and anyway, I was more than happy to take my time and enjoy myself
Towards the Holy Isle
There were a few wisps of cloud drifting around but nothing worrying, and afterall the forecast was for perfect visibility all day
Looking back down the ridge
As I progressed upwards I passed by lots of people all out enjoying the nice weather and parents attempting to cajole small children into carrying on
However, just as I reached the summit a large amount of unwelcome cloud descended, spoiling my views. Disappointed but optimistic I sat down to eat my sandwiches and wait for it to clear….
…and eventually it did.
The classic Jaxter pose
And the view without me spoiling it
While I was waiting I got out the map and started looking around for options. It was only lunchtime and I was keen to stay out for longer. I also hate out-and-back routes so I decided to continue along the ridge a bit and wing it...
The way ahead…
Cir Mor and some awesome scrambling for another day
Looking out towards Campbeltown
Scrambling along the ridge, I was very conscious that I was supposed to be behaving myself….the clag had also come in and visibility was non-existant. I decided that the bypass “pussy” path might be a more sensible option
Looking back, a very atmospheric-looking Goat Fell
However, the pussy path bypassed the north summit so I ended up climbing straight up and scrambling to the top anyway
This is looking out towards Mull of Kintyre, possibly Jura?
Having looked at the map I had considered climbing over Meall Buidhe and Cioch na h-Oighe and coming down to Sannox, but as I wasn’t sure of the bus times I figured a walk back from Corrie was possible (although not desirable) whereas from Sannox would require chancing a hitch-hike
Meall Buidhe
I climbed part way up Meall Buidhe in the hope of some views but it seemed that the weather was in a bad mood so decided to head back down towards Corrie; I'd be back anyway
Looking back, the sun trying to peek through
Looking down the glen towards Corrie
Looking back up towards Goat Fell
Taking it very slowly and carefully I was able to make it all the way down to the road without any pain – a real achievement, especially given how clumsy I am
Beautiful reflections on the water
It was around 4.30 so there was no chance of getting the early ferry. My only concern was reaching my bike and cycling back to Brodick before the light failed as I had no lights…rookie error
Reaching the bus stop I discovered that the next bus was in 2 hours time….serves me right for not checking the bus times
So a 4 mile walk it was….this wasn’t entirely what the doctor ordered but the alternative wasn’t attractive. Still, it was a beautiful evening and I was having a great time
Trying to take it fairly easy and definitely enjoying the views I marched along the road; on my way I met some seals and saw the beginnings of an awesome sunset.
Once at the Brewery I hopped on the bike and was back in Brodick in time to grab some food from the Co-op and sit down on a bench to enjoy a wonderful sunset.
Eventually heading over to the ferry terminal I spent some time talking to a lovely man (I hope your daughter continues with her violin!) and finally settled onto the ferry with my book.
Arriving back at Ardrossan I missed the train by a couple of seconds and had to wait an hour…not quite what I had intended as I ended up arriving home after 10.30; a very long day! But it wasn’t enough to spoil my wonderful mood
The next day my knee was a wee bit sore but nothing more than I expected, so I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to walk at the WH Meet next weekend! It was such a wonderful feeling to be back in the hills. Looks like Jaxter is back
