Goatfell
The main group of mountains lie on the north side of Arran surrounding the two glens of Rosa and Sannox. These glens lie back to back with each other separated by a 400m high bealach called "The Saddle". On the eastern side of the two glens lies the Goatfell massif. Goatfell is the highest summit at 874m. The usual approach takes the tourist path up the southeast flanks - a pretty boring path with no spectacular views of Cir Mhor etc.

Goatfell seen from Beinn Tarsuinn to the west

Looking north from Goatfell to North Goatfell

Goatfell seen from North Goatfell

A better route up Goatfell starts from The Saddle. The ridge is generally quite easy with limited scrambling up to the subsidiary top of north Goatfell. From here to Goat Fell, a narrow neck of the ridge called Stacath has to be traversed. This involves scrambling on granite pinnacles but can be bypassed on the east side. The final rise to Goatfell is simple. at the top you are greeted with a trig point and circular viewing guide pointing out the surrounding peaks.

North of Goatfell another approach route is quite spectacular leading to some scrambles. This starts from a spur called "The Bastion" and leads south to North Goatfell.

Cir Mhor & Surrounding Summits
Cir Mhor is by far the most striking of all the Arran summits. It's pinnacle like summit holds you in awe while its northern cliff plunge 400m down to Glen Sannox. Despite the appearance, it's an easy hill involving moderately simple scrambling. The appraoch from the Saddle to the east takes a steep, well worn path to its top. As you get near, it's rocky architecture bursts into view. Here you have a choice, take the easy path round the back or the direct steep scramble to the summit.

Cir Mhor is pretty much a crossroad on the ridge. Northwards we go to Caisteal Abhail - the most northerly Corbett on the Island. The approach is generally easy - just the last section deserves mention. The top from the south side looks like a tor demanding some rock climbing ability. Of course the easy way lies hidden from view! Go round the back to find its weakness. East of this summit lies the ridge on the north side on Glen sannox. It's got a pleasant suprise - the witch's step! 50m tall, it's quite an obstacle! Apparently you can get round it on the north side but I wouldn't try doing it direct!

Cir Mhor seen from the bottom of Glen Rosa

Cir Chor seen on the Way up to Goatfell

South of Cir Mhor we get to a classic mountaineering ridge - A' Chir. Complete with it's own 'bad step', I took the path round but apparently most of the ridge is a straightforward scramble - but for the bad step! So onwards I go to Beinn Tarsuinn. The direct rise up is quite straightforward, paths divert you around the obvious obstacles (though feel free to try the direct route!). One interesting feature is an archway that the path goes under, never seen one like this before.

The summit rocks of Caisteal Abhail

The witch's step - on the north ridge of Caisteal abhail

Looking North to Beinn Tarsuinn from Beinn Nuis

On Tarsuinn's summit you have a pleasant southerly ridge to the southern top high above Coire a' Bhradain to your east and its granite cliffs. Well those are the main Arran peaks that most folk are content with doing except........

Caisteal Abhail seen from Cir Mhor

Beinn Nuis seen from Beinn Tarsuinn

Arch on Beinn Tarsuinn

Beinn Bhreac - the Pirnmill Hills

The Pirnmill Hills
....There's a lot more to Arran than Rosa & Sannox! The Pirnmill hills lie on the west coast of north Arran separated from the main tops by the very desolate Glen Lorsa - probably the wildest glen on Arran.

These hills are lower, more stony and more rounded. Yet the north ridge of Mullach Buidhe (the main top) still throws out a scrambly ridge. This summit is done by locals before breasfast. So it makes a ideal short day when you do a round of the small Coire Roinn. The walk can however be extended to the subsidiary tops to the north and east of the main top over Beinn Bhreac (2 of them), Beinn Tarsuinn and Meall nan' Damh.

Other Arran Walks

There's a ferry which crosses to Holy Island from Arran, fairly regularly, at least during the summer. The highest point on the island is only 300m high or so, but as the island is only about a mile wide, this is quite impressive. There lies a monastery on the south side of the Island.

Then there's the southern half of Arran. Empty rolling 500m high moorland for those who like that kind of stuff.