Goatfell

The weather forecast was good for the first day of June, so we decided it was a good day to climb Goatfell, the highest mountain on Arran. By now our legs are becoming quite strong (we have been walking between 12 and 24 thousand steps a day, mostly up and down hill). We drove to our start point at Brodick and joined the many other walkers who were heading the same way as us. The path to the summit was clearly marked and well established. Initially we climbed up through forest heavily dotted with rhododendrons, all very pretty. Then the path opened out to open countryside and we could see the path snaking its way along and up, with a particularly sheer climb at the top. It took us just under 2.5 hours to reach the summit, where we enjoyed our picnic lunch and enjoyed looking at the views in all directions. The initial climb down was challenging and very steep. However as we clambered down it became easier. However much of the path involved climbing down stone steps or clambering over rocks, so by the time we reached the forested area again our legs were tired. A total of 22000 steps walked today!!! Back to camp at Seal Shore and our first bbq of the year. We sat in glorious sunshine enjoying the views and sounds of the sea. As yet no sealife spotted, but we are assured that seals and sea otters are frequently spotted and sometimes pods of dolphins. Fingers crossed we spot something before we leave the island.Read more