In early 2017, myself and two friends decided to take a day trip to the Isle of Arran, off the West coast of Scotland...
Our journey began in Glasgow's Central Railway Station, where we boarded a train to Ardrossan - a quaint seaside village around 1 hour north-west of Glasgow. Luckily enough - it was possible to purchase ferry tickets from the kiosk at Glasgow Central which worked out slightly cheaper than buying them at the ferry terminal at Ardrossan (and saved quite a bit of time).
Glasgow's Central Station looking fairly empty, with the familiar four faced clock hanging from the ceiling
The train took a pleasant hour or so, we passed through several towns and villages of no real significance and before we knew it we were at Ardrossan station. Conveniently enough, the station was directly adjacent to the jetty and it was a 2-3 minute walk before we were aboard the ferry for the island. Return tickets for the train & ferry were less than £10!
The ferry was kitted out with a kitchen were many a punter queued up for breakfast. Us being the clever sort, had already had out breakfast and were well stocked with crisps and Bombay mix to snack on throughout the journey. Of course, no trek in Scotland is complete without a hip-flask of whiskey to keep the cockles of your heart warm as a hug.
Before too long, the Isle of Arran was in sight, with the peak visible although very small at such a distance.
Isle of Arran as seen from the ferry with Goatfell visible on the far right hand side
The walk to the base of the hill was a mission in enough of itself, we wandered through the village, past pastry shops, butchers, co-ops, and (believe it or not) men in kilts until we arrived at the definite starting point for our trek. From then, it was a 2 hour ascent to the peak of Goatfell, with plenty of opportunities to turn back and take a look at just how far we had ascended.
A view from around half way up the hill showing the ferry boat appraoching the harbour
The views from the journey up were spectacular. Given the early time of year, the sub was low in the sky and its beams reflecting off the puddles within the grasses and heather was definitely not wasted on us.
Sunlight reflecting off of shallow puddles on the brae
The glens, fells, and braes of Scotland conduct an air of majesty that can only real be experienced by wandering through them like some sort of lost straggler. Cold, harsh at times - but mostly humbling.
The rolling hillside
Alas we reached the windy, icy peak of Goatfell. The journey up and the whiskey in our stomachs had us feeling quite warm, but at the peak, one can only last a few moments - enough to take a photo and admire the view - before you are too cold to remain and must begin the decent.
Staggering across the icy peak of Goatfell (2017)
There is just about enough time to take a quick snapshot - so make it worth it. Something that captures the sense of victory one feels when he has achieved a modest victory.
Come at me, nature.
Needless to say, the journey down was a lot quicker than the one up and we spent some time at the beach to calm down and watch the waves.
The (possible too) well prepared Martin points aimlessly at the Firth of Clyde after a successful descent
And of course, what trip is complete without a stop at the chocolatier for a well deserved treat.
We'd be lying if we said we didn't stop in for a few truffles