Goatfell but not the tourist track, the scary scramble version.

 Hill: Goatfell via North Goatfell

Type: Corbett

Height: 874m

Another CalMac crossing, I'm becoming a regular these days, this time a sailing to Arran. A pleasant crossing soon passed after a CalMac brekkie roll and good company.

Glen Sannox with Cioch na h-Oighe on the left

Crossed the burn before The Saddle looking back down Glen Sannox

The initial plan for today's walk was to ascend Goatfell from Sannox via the Cioch na h-Oighe. But the best laid plans and all that. The gusting winds put paid to that, potentially too dangerous on the ridge.

The chute

The result was a longer walk up the beautiful Glen Sannox to the first obstacle of the day, The chute that leads to the Saddle. The blue skies and tranquil surroundings made us blaze about what lay ahead. Not tackling the ridge might have seemed the easier option but it was far from that. A few scary moments lay ahead.

The Saddle has a steep chute which is normally challenging but straightforward. Today the rock was wet and slippyery. One person got up it but I could not get a grip with either hands or feet so elected to retreat. The group now ascended via a section nearby which was slightly drier but still a technical challenge for most of the group. Slow progress, helping hands and a few elevated heart rates but we got there. With relief a short break was taken on the top of the Saddle.

Jagged ridge ahead

Scrambling starts again. Goatfell on the right

Rugged landscape. The Witches Step gash on the right

Next obstacle was the climb to North Goatfell. A good track took us most of the way up before the intimidating final section of what now looked like a proper Alpine ridge.

Another steep chute with big drops caused more high stress. We had to keep a distance in case the person in front slipped/fell taking others down as well. Another wet rock section with minimal foot and hand holds was a challenge for most although a couple of the group made it look easy. Easy it was not.

Cir Mhor the spike behind with The Saddle the flatter ground to the right

View down Glen rosa. Is the rock a snake or crocodile?

But we made it to North Goatfell with outstanding views to savour.

Sadly, this was not our top. We now had another ridge with more potentially tricky scrambling and exposure. Even getting to the start of this involved hairy descents over steep slippy rocks, bum sliding at times on these descents.

A debate ensued and the party split with about half, including me, taking the bypass route.

Bypass route

North Goatfell's ridge to Goatfell

Some of the group on top of the rocky scramble

A narrow trail with some exposed minor scrambling before we finally reached Goatfell itself. Looking back the other group were still some ways back. Best decision for a long time to go bypass lol.

The descent

A scenic lunch at the top before making the long, long descent back via the tourist track to Brodick. Most had a well-deserved ice cream, a few a beer.

My face was skelped with a combination of the bright day and the high winds which meant I never felt the sunburn until too late. Plenty of Aloe Vera gel will be applied.

This was a stunning but tough day. Most of the group were experienced walkers but most were feeling significant leg muscle tiredness. A cracking day but I can live without the higher stress levels for a midweek walk.

Ascent: 939m

Distance: 15.7km

Time: 7.24

Wildlife: Raven; Common Darter; Common Blue Dragonfly;