Goaty Mc Goat Face

It was our first trip to Arran and Goat Fell had been on our to-do list for a while so after a day exploring the island and a first night camped in our trusty Bob on the southern shore looking over to Ailsa Craig we were off early to Goat Fell. 

We parked half way up the track and soon found the path which was really well signposted. The weather looked ominous up ahead but we were kitted out for all weathers so off we plodded. 

The path took us up quite steeply quite quickly and took us over to a river and the sliders which we could just make out in the fog and mist. 

The higher we got, the foggier it got and we really were going to be unlucky today with any view but as with all walks, it didn't matter really.  We were on the island all weekend and hopefully we'd fair better with the weather on the other days.  Today was just Goat Fell and fog or not it was still enjoyable. 

The path was really good and took us up over all sorts of terrain.  Rocks, bog, gravel and before long (2.5 hrs approx) we were on the summit and dropped down behind some of the summit rocks to eat lunch. 

We didn't hang around long, just enough for a picture and to get some food and then we were on the path down.   The  mist and fog was so bad we missed our turn off which would take us back over to the path we'd come up on so we had to retrace our steps somewhat but soon found the right path.

We met many walkers who asked us repeatedly how far it was to the top as they were pushed for time as had come off 1 ferry and were booked to go back on the next but thought they'd get Goat Fell in while they were here.  Well done for having a go! 

Soon we were back on the path we'd come up on earlier (the lollipop stick) and wound our way down through the bracken towards the parking spot where Bob was waiting.

Great walk, great day, rubbish views ! 

Route description: Goatfell, from Corrie

Corbetts included on this walk: Goat Fell

Date walked: 05/05/2018

Time taken: 6 hours

Distance: 8.5 km

Ascent: 928m