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Another glorious weekend of sunshine was forecast for certain Islands to the West, the only decision to make was what to do! After our cycle around Bute last week, taking in breathtaking views to the Arran Corbetts from Scalpie Beach, we decided to walk this weekend. Goat Fell from Corrie, on the wonderful Island of Arran, would be our destination and mission for the day.
Walking on the Sunday meant the first ferry left Ardrossan at 9.40am, shame really as I love getting up at 5am for the 7am ferry, so it was a nice easy drive to the coast...albeit having to divert near Beith due to roadworks. The ferry passengers included golfers, walkers, cyclists and runners, all eager to follow their passions and enjoy the benefits of a healthy active lifestyle. Met Kev Russ form the site up on deck, as you do, and got chatting. He was also doing Goat Fell from Corrie with a local group, was nice to meet you Kev.
Got the 324 bus, which was packed, to Corrie and started walking at 11.30am. Follow the path uphill for 2.5km then take a left over the burn, reaching the ridge it's another 1.5k to the summit. The approach route to Goat Fell from Corrie is quieter and has better views. The heat was intense, Julie was guzzling sparkling water like a camel storing up for a long summer drought! Thankfully I'd brought reserves!
Starting through the lush ferns
Crossing the burn
Goat Fell to the left
Following the ridge
Looking back - beautiful view of the sea - Julie "Gazelle like" maneuvering up the rocky ridge!
On route we stopped and had lunch when reaching the ridge, managed to find a quiet spot and milk the views. After 2.3hrs we reached the summit. This was Julie's first Corbett, great way to break your duck...a real quacker!!
Summit views west to the other Arran Corbetts
The summit was rather busy so again we found a nice quiet spot for some food, taking in the views and enjoying the sun belting off our faces...and my head, which I'm sure was doubling as a hot frying pan by now!! After a chat we decided we would wander along the ridge to the North and take in some scrambling, meaning we got the last ferry back to the mainland. On route we bumped into Kev and his mate, the boys standing proud with big boulders...
. Hope you got home at a decent hour Kev.
Julie has no experience scrambling so we took our time and did a mixture of climbing and walking the bypasses. She felt safer and enjoyed the experience, more so than her first two munros in Glencoe 2 months ago when not liking the scree, she was able to get a grip of some good hard rock this time! Photos and some serious posing...
Most people doing Goat Fell are usually happy with reaching the summit and never wander along the ridge so this meant we had a great time meandering over the large granite tors. We could've stayed up here all day but we had a ferry to catch!! Decided to walk back to Brodick via the most used path to Goat Fell from near the castle. This was actually the first time I've walked this path, I loved how the make up of the landscape changed from sparse barren moorland to lush colourful woodland. We really enjoyed the walk out.
At 6.30pm we arrived in Brodick, got some food and waited on the Ferry whilst looking out across the sea and back over to Goat Fell.
Being on the last ferry meant I was able to catch a glimpse of the sun setting behind the mountains, a lovely sight only slightly marred by some looming dark clouds. Back inside the ferry we enjoyed a well earned Cornetto, delicious ice cream...!!
Arran caters for all types of activities and is such a lovely Island. I would recommend everyone take a wee wander over, especially those crazy Munro baggers who despise Corbetts...eh Woodsy Boy
Well done Julie on conquering her first Corbett, she reported that it was a very enjoyable day on a sizzling hot sunny Scottish Island...it appears a return trip is on the cards, but to cycle this time
