By John Cunningham
Participants: Cammy, Aurelie, Rory (and Aisling), Ruth, Katie, Baptiste, Evi, Andy (and Rachelle, Regi the Spaniel), Corin, Cat, Justin, Leslie-Anne (and Jude), Stefan, John
On the Thursday evening Aurelie, Ruth, Baptiste and John met up with Cat and Katie at the Glen Rosa campsite, who were exploring different methods of building the perfect campfire. It is worth noting a horizontal Coleman C500 gas canister will likely end up in a trip to A&E, while an electric mat inflator will get your fire going from 0 to 100 in no time. A fresh plastic bag of logs was discovered in nearby bushes, which was an excellent bonus Katie-the-pyrotechnic and the local environment.
On Friday morning the team set out for their adventures. Ruth, Aurelie and Cat took on the Glen Sannox horseshoe, Baptiste and John on the Pagoda Ridge and Katie cycled the South of the island.
The walk-ins on Friday morning were fairly challenging; rising temperatures, an overcast sky and a sheltered valley made for some clammy conditions. Despite the morning conditions, the cloud quickly burned away in the afternoon leaving some glorious June weather.
The Glen Sannox horseshoe starts up a path shortly after the Corrie Golf course and takes the circuit of Corbetts to the East of Cir Mhor which offers optional and scrambling/hiking which is open to plenty variation. Route was complete and descent was made via Glen Rosa bealach between North Goat Fell and Chir Mhor with an obligatory dip in the Rosa Blue Pools.
The approach via Coire Daingean to Pagoda Ridge consisted of heather bashing in soaked shoes. Pagoda Ridge held some interesting slab traverses and blocky climbing with lots of padding. However, Baptiste decided this was not interesting enough, and left one climbing shoe back in Glasgow (deliberate? we will never know). Committing to the un chaussure d'escalade method, the route was finished in good time, with descent made by completing A'Chir ridge and a quick jump into the Glenrosa water.
Katie's cycle starts at Lamlash taking the South of the island via Whiting Bay. Once reaching Sliddery, the road is taken North-East back to Lamlash. This circa 22mi route gives fantastic coastal views, with rolling forestry hills on completing the circuit. Finished with a coffee and scone at the local distillery (possibly a dip in the sea, although I may have misheard).
On Friday evening the weekend warriors arrive which includes the members listed on participants above. This was a great catchup with everyone, and plans are made for Saturday.
Summer Solstice arrives, and the plans are as follows:
- Aurelie and Katie - Cycle of the north circular roads
- Cammy and John - Hammer, S. Ridge Direct
- Rory and Aisling - Sou'wester Slabs
- Baptiste and Cat - Sou-wester Slabs
- Corin - Beinn Tarsuinn via Glen Rosa
- Rachelle and Regi - Goat Fell North Ridge
- Stefan, Andy and Justin - South Ridge Direct
- Leslie-Anne and Jude - Goat Fell
- Ruth and Evi - Sou'wester Slabs
Aurelie and Katie's near 40mi cycle takes the string road from Brodick and follows up the West coast of the island offering views out to Kintyre and the Isle of Bute. The road that follows North Glen Sannox is a definite quad burner and sits under the jagged terrain of the Northerly Corbetts. The pair cycle back to the Glen for much needed cold-water therapy in the pools. Cammy will attest to some fantastic photos of this.
A Lomond take-over of Cir Mhor crags took place early morning with anticipation that the area will be packed, as it turns out, we were the problem. Multiple teams took to Sou’wester Slabs in true British-alpine fashion (queuing). Despite the thick cloud that began to settle in along with some higher wind speeds, the day remains dry, and a fantastic day out had for all. Justin wanted to ease into his trad exposure, so opted for a 13 multi-pitch VS. John and Cammy attempted West Flank Route however were DNF and moved to the more amenable Hammer as to reach at the summit before Monday and not dog it entirely. Upon completion, teams met at the terrace or at the summit for a sociable walk back down the Glen Rosa path.
Leslie-Anne and Jude had a great outing on Goat Fell, with some atmospheric summit conditions with the cloud rolling over the hills. Also encountered a group of Glaswegian Sherpa on Goat Fell, who opted for Tennents over water in the afternoon heat. It was relieving to see the beer sherpa team returned to the campsite in the evening.
Hungered from the day activities, all teams were delighted to receive a WhatsApp message into the chat confirming numbers for BBQ and beer, a resounding yes from all. Following some freshening up in the local water, beers were cracked and cobs toasted (thank you to Corin and Rachelle for the shop!). Everyone enjoyed a lovely remainder of the solstice evening sharing stories and laughter, later surrendering to the inevitable midge invasion.
At around 02:00 the forecasted heavy rain arrived and continued through the morning. Unfortunately, this meant any adventurous Sunday plans were quickly abandoned in favour of coffee at Brodick. The Sunday plans were shaping up to be kayaks/paddle boards rented from Arran Active – one to save for next year. Personal note: the big breakfast on the MV Glen Sannox is stunning, but ensure you are on the boat sharp to beat the queue.
