Arran Corbetts Day 2 - Cir Mhor & Goatfell

Tick off Arran’s remaining two Corbetts on this walk, including Goatfell, the island’s highest peak. As you’re starting pretty much from sea-level, the ascent is longer than for many mainland Munros. Sense of achievement and tired legs guaranteed!
Overview
Distance13.5km

Highest Point Gained874m

Total Ascent1311m

Walk Duration 9hrs

Terrain Rough mountain paths, steep descents, steep gravelly ascent

Technical Rating Challenging Please click to see more details.

Endurance Rating 4

Cost £35

Date Sunday 19 May 2024

Meeting Time 8.00am

Meeting Place
Festival Hub at the Auchrannie Playbarn.
Transport to the start & finish of this walk is provided from there.


Walk description
The day starts with a long gentle approach along the length of Glen Sannox, with the first objective of the day, Cir Mhor, dominating the head of the Glen. From here a steep ascent leads to Coire na h-Uaimh under the forbidding north face of Cir Mhor with Caisteal Abhail, the first Corbett of day 1 of the Arran Corbett Challenge opposite. Climbing the headwall of the coire leads to Hunters Ridge and impressive views across the west of Arran. The ridge is then followed to the summit of Cir Mhor, the smallest, but arguably most impressive of Arran’s four Corbetts.

After this, a steep descent to The Saddle follows. Here the ground falls away into Glen Rosa in the south and Glen Sannox in the north. Both are spectacular examples of glaciated glens, whose perfect u-shapes can be admired from The Saddle which separates the two glens, and also forms the col between North Goatfell and Cir Mhor. Rather than taking the easy way home down into Glen Rosa, our second Corbett of the day beckons up the sharp ridge leading to North Goatfell. A traverse of the Stacach ridge follows, with its jumble of granite tors by-passed en-route to the final Corbett, Goatfell itself. Enjoy the elevating feeling of standing on the highest point of the island as well as stunning 360° views of Arran and beyond. From here the main ‘tourist’ path is joined as far as the Meall Breac ridge which is followed to the final descent alongside the tumbling Corrie Burn.

This walk is organised by the Arran Mountain Festival, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC 052229, supported by Auchrannie Leisure Ltd.