Arran 2018 - Day Three

Saturday was the big day when we were to tackle the biggest hill/mountain in Arran - Goatfell, which a little annoyingly, falls just short of being a Munro.

Our leader had carefully checked the forecast and concluded that the likelihood was that, although the summit was currently in low cloud, this would be a better day to do it than Sunday, when the forecast visibility was even worse. We would hope that it might clear as we walked up - a vain hope as it transpired.

There was yet another logistical problem with Stewart apparently taking a wrong turning and having to be redirected by phone back to the correct starting point of our walk, which, handily, was right next to Arran Brewery:

The first part of the walk was fairly straight forward on good, even track and we soon arrived at a small bridge, which afforded the first opportunity for a full team photo:

It was at this point, however, that Gordon had to turn back, suffering badly from a blister acquired on the previous day's walk.

The low cloud level was stubbornly resisting any sign of lifting, but it was safe enough for walking so the rest of us ploughed onwards and upwards, with the trail gradually morphing in to steps:

The last bit of the walk was very steep indeed and it was a hell of a struggle for a few of us to make it to the top. We knew when we got there that there would be no view to behold, but it was another box ticked and we gathered for our usual drams and team photo:

Ken sent this photo of what the view should have been like:

The walk back down was almost as tricky - particularly for Andy, who was struggling with a knee ligament injury. Fortunately, when we did eventually all arrive back at the start, there was a welcoming pint of Arran ale to be consumed - although some opted for the coffee/scone routine.

Here's the day's walking stats:

Our evening's entertainment was planned for Brodick, catching the bus over and taxis back. We failed to find any accommodating real ale establishment for pre-dinner drinks at the first two attempts but eventually settled down at the Ormidale Hotel.

Dinner had been booked at the nearby Auchrannie Resort. Very nice it was too - once we had got the hang of their strange semi-tapas style menu:

There was a half hour gap between taxis taking us home. The first one was fairly quiet, but apparently the second one was the disco bus with the passengers singing all the way back!