Yesterday was one of those days when the Isle of Arran gleamed like a jewel in the sea. Staying indoors was simply not an option, and the only decision to be made was which gorgeous corner of the island to go and play in? In the morning, the Northern Hills were still shrouded in mist, but the forecast looked set fair so we dropped the car at Cladach near Brodick and hopped on a bus to Sannox. From here we planned to link up two of the finest low grade scrambles in Scotland, if not the UK, and vastly underrated at that. It was a long day, the sort when you linger at every viewpoint for longer than you intend... and I took tons of photos, so I'll let them speak for themselves.
From Glen Sannox, the way strikes up left toward's the Devil's Punchbowl. Cioch Na h'Oighe is the peak on the right of the picture. There is a traverse path that runs from the burn to the base of the scrambling on this peak.
Once established on the Cioch, there are great views in to Glen Sannox. The route follows a series of exposed slabs up to the first summit. Most are avoidable, but there is one tricky section that must be negotiated.
Once on the ridge, a series of rocky crests rises up before you.
Most of the hardest scrambling is avoidable on the right, but it is more fun to take the ridge direct at about grade I/II
All too soon the ridge broadens out at the back of the Punchbowl and you begin the climb up to Mullach Buidhe.
Looking back along the ridge, there are fabulous views of the Cioch, and down to the sandy beach of Sannox Bay.
Mullach Buidhe itself is a rock escarpment overlooking the head of Glen Sannox, This is looking back to Mullach Buidhe from the slopes of North Goatfell.
Great views in to Coire Lan and towards the village of Corrie from the slopes of North Goatfell.
The blocky summit of North Goatfell, with Goatfell looming beyond.
The Stacach Ridge hangs between the two summits of Goatfell. Most of the difficulties can be avoided by taking a traverse path to the East, but a traverse of the ridge crest is an exposed and exciting scramble on excellent rock at hard grade I.
Great views back in to the mountains. From left to right the peaks are: Cir Mhor, Caisteal Abhail, and North Goatfell.
And finally, from the summit of Goatfell, the South Ridge. The tourist path takes an easy line to the East. We chose a direct descent down the South Ridge, with a bit more easy scrambling, before dropping down to the main path above the forestry.
