The 2021 Arran Mountain Festival programme will be uploaded soon, with booking lines due to open in early 2021.


Goatfell Night Walk (Fri-Sat night)

Two Mountains Before Breakfast! A unique chance to ascend Arran's highest peak at night with "Munro Moonwalker" author Alan Rowan whose second book is titled “A Mountain Before Breakfast”. Climbing up from sea level as dawn is nearing, we aim to reach Goatfell just in time for sunrise. Having climbed all the munros in the wee small hours, Alan Rowan is the perfect man to take you on this exhilarating night time adventure. He'll have many fascinating and funny stories of his nocturnal adventures to share. After this walk, you'll be able to tell your own midnight mountaineering tale! Follow Alan's exploits on Facebook. Follow him on Twitter.

Please note that a headtorch is essential for this walk.
This walk starts just after Friday midnight returning early Saturday morning.

 | Overview

Distance
10km  

Highest Point Gained
874m  

Total Ascent
925m  

Walk Duration
8hrs  

Terrain
Rough mountain paths, steep ascents, steep descent with loose gravel underfoot  

Technical Rating
Moderate  
Easy scrambling, elements of exposure, some rough terrain.

Endurance Rating
3  
Sustained steep ascents and descents, long-distance, stamina required, suitable for fit walkers. Have you had recent experience of walking for 6-8 hours? Have you recently walked up (and down) a mountain of over 1000m (3000ft) in height without physical distress? Do you regularly play an aerobic sport pretty much every week? If your answer is "No", we'd guess you'd be happier doing a walk rated a level lower than the one you’ve just read! As noted previously, we're into FUN so we don't want you to miss out by overdoing it.

Cost
£25  

Date
Saturday 16 May 2020

Meeting Time
01:00  

Meeting Place
Apart from the Goatfell night walk, all walks/runs start and finish at Arran Adventure, located next to the Playbarn in the grounds of the Auchrannie Spa Resort in Brodick. Transport is provided from there. Click here for a map.

 | Photo Gallery

 | Walk description

Tackling Goatfell from Corrie rather than the main path from Brodick means the steep sections are interspersed with flatter terrain to allows us to catch our breath.  However, before the main summit, we’ll be heading first to North Goatfell via the good path from Corrie into Coire Lan. From the head of the glen we rise steeply to the col between Mullach Buidhe and North Goatfell. Heading left up North Goatfell for our first peak we will continue on towards the rugged Stacach ridge. We skirt this jumble of granite tors to gain the final ascent of Goatfell itself. By now dawn should be approaching to reveal the stunning 360° views of Arran and beyond. Having fully taken in the experience of a mountain top at dawn it is time to turn back down to Cladach for breakfast!


 | Advised Kit List

Essential hill gear

  • NO jeans – anyone wearing jeans will not be allowed to start the walk, and no refund will be possible
  • Stout hill walking boots
  • Appropriate walking trousers, top layers and fleece – preferably no cotton layers
  • Waterproof (not showerproof) trousers
  • Waterproof (not showerproof) jacket
  • Spare layers
  • Woollen or fleece hat
  • Gloves
  • Packed lunch and drink - please consider the use of re-useable water bottles and food wrapping.
  • Any personal medicines
  • For the Goat Fell night walk: Head torch and spare batteries

Other recommended kit

  • Sun cream and insect repellent
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Spare socks
  • Blister plasters


The 2021 Arran Mountain Festival programme will be uploaded soon, with booking lines due to open in early 2021.