My preconceptions of Arran were for a cute little Island with a few Corbetts to bag, they were quickly removed on the ferry journey over as I gazed at the Stacach ridge of Goat Fell with all its tors and stacks.
On the way to Arran by Anthony Young, on FlickrWith excitement being built up by this sighting of tomorrows route I made to short drive to Blackwaterfoot and Drumadoon Bay to take in a beautiful sunset, the first of many over the week.
Sundown over Drumadoon Bay by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Drumadoon Bay by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Reflections at Drumadoon Bay by Anthony Young, on FlickrThe next day we drove around to Corrie with a little morning mist around but by the time we had driven up to the parking area opposite the waterworks it was dissipating fast. We set off up the excellent path with the sun shining meaning it was hot work.
Am Binnein by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Hughie Having Fun in the Sun! by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Taking a breather by Anthony Young, on FlickrAs height was gained up Corrie Lan the route leveled somewhat and the Stacach Ridge came into view, providing extra interest to what was already some fine views. The final pull up the back of the Corrie was the only part of the walk with scree but this gave way to the outstanding reward of the breathtaking view across the Saddle to the Granite monolith of Cir Mhor. We spent a while taking in this amazing spectacle, who wouldn't? before heading off up North Goat Fell. Some lads had left their backpacks at this point obviously intent on returning and bypassing the scramble down the other side of the top. We took ours deciding to have a little look at just how difficult it was. As it was it turned out to be a little awkward but not too far removed from what we'd done many times previously in the Lakes and other places.
Goat fell comes in view by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Goat Fell mono by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Nearly at the bealach by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Cir Mhor across the saddle by Anthony Young, on Flickr (click on pic to view large)
Mullach Buidhe by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Cir Mhor and Caisteal Abhail by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Goat Fell from the North top by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking back at North Goat Fell by Anthony Young, on FlickrEmboldened by this success we ignored the bypass path and tackled the biggest tor on the ridge which was next up. Once again this had a few slightly tricky moments but we safely made it up and over. Grace, Nicola and myself were all having a massive amount of fun at this time but Hughie on the other hand was not so keen. All this being handed about and forced to jump up and down things had shredded his nerves so we decided to have lunch ensconced in one of the little bealachs between the tors so he could calm down a bit. This was a stunning spot for lunch and I must confess to having found few better.
Grace checking out the way ahead by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Am Binnein from the Stacach Ridge by Anthony Young, on Flickr
A Little Bit of Light and Shade by Anthony Young, on Flickr (click on pic to view large)The remainder of the ridge was fun but not quite so tricky (to Hughie's relief), and we were soon leaving the comparatively quiet ridge for the thronged summit of Goat Fell on a sunny Sunday in May. The views were, as advertised, stunning, but I must confess to preferring the view from North Goat Fell, perhaps it was the lack of crowds?
Looking back to North Goat Fell by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Summit view by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Grace and Hughie on the summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Glen Rosa by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Summit view to the South by Anthony Young, on FlickrWe descended with the hordes, resisting the temptation to retrace our steps along the North Ridge, but soon split off from the tourist route for a pleasant walk back to Corrie.
The Stacach Ridge by Anthony Young, on Flickr
...and from lower down by Anthony Young, on FlickrThis had been a stunning way to start our holiday, way exceeding expectations and I think we all agreed it was one of the best routes we've done, Hughie was unavailable for comment.
As the walk was relatively short, (aching arms from the scrambling apart), I had plenty energy to head out to Machrie Bay for the sunset. Something went wrong and I ended up a bit to the North but still found some fine interest on the coastline to capture.
Green and Gold by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Sun on Sandstone by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Stoned by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Too Close to the Sun by Anthony Young, on FlickrWith the weather set fair for the whole week
we had a rest day and explored the South of the Island getting out of the car at Kirkpatrick to visit the Preaching Cave, the Arran Creamery at Torrylinn (Cheese from the Gods!) and Whiting Bay (delicious burgers at Coast). By the end of the day our next mountain adventure awaited.
Coast at Kirkpatrick by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Preaching Cave by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Kirkpatrick Shoreline by Anthony Young, on Flickr
Whiting Bay & Holy Island by Anthony Young, on Flickr
How old is he now?
